William (Bill) & Bette Proudfoot

WILLIAM R. PROUDFOOT May 9, 1926-October 9, 2014 William R. Proudfoot, 88, Park Rapids, passed away October 9, 2014. He was born May 9, 1926 in Boscobel, WI, the son of Shelby E. and Eunice L. (Riley) Proudfoot. He was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Bill served in the Navy during World War II where he spent several years assigned to the U. S. Navy Armed Guard, a branch of the United States Navy responsible for defending for U.S. and Allied merchant ships from attack by enemy aircraft, submarines and surface ships during World War II. After the service he married Elizabeth Louise (Bette) Schneider in Boscobel, WI. Over the years Bill and Bette owned several businesses in Park Rapids including, Bill's Grocery, The Big Deal restaurant and The Stag for Men & Pretty Lady. Bill and his friend, Frank Haas, were co-founders of the Woodtick Theater in Akeley, MN. In their later years, Bill and Bette lived in Walker, MN. When Bette passed away in 2007, Bill moved back to Park Rapids and to reside at the Court Apartments. He is survived by his two sons, Mark (Judy) Proudfoot and Michael (Debbie) Proudfoot and granddaughter, Tonia (Ryan) Klemetson, great grandson, William (Will) and great granddaughter, Elizabeth (Ellie), sister-in-law, Sharryn (Patrick) Proudfoot, brother; Jon (Karen) Proudfoot; sister, Jill Torgenson; nephews: Robert (Michelle) Proudfoot, Wayne and Keith Gahl; nieces: Laura (Jim) Marner; Susan McWaters, Kimberly Proudfoot, Andra (Dan) Nagle, Julie Gahl, and Tanya Gahl; and his dear friend, Mary McMahon. Predeceased by Bette his spouse, parents, and brother Patrick; sister, June McWaters; brothers-in-law, Paul McWaters and Avery Torgeson; sister-in-law, Bette Proudfoot. Memorial service for both Bill and Bette Proudfoot, will take place October, 25, 2014 at 11 AM, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Ripley.