William Bill Roberts

FUNERAL SERVICES : will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral home in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Loren Ferch officiating.VISITATION : will be held from 12 noon - 2:00 P.M., Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the funeral home.INTERMENT :will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids.SURVIVORS : Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary; his six children: JoJo (Adam) Peck of South St. Paul, MN, Jason Roberts of Park Rapids, Cindy (Rick) Bachrodt of Cottage Grove, MN, Scott (Michelle) Roberts of Mound, MN, Dan Roberts of CO. and Sherry (David) Bock of Brainerd, MN; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; 2 sisters: Anne Marie (Duane) Jahn of Blaine, MN and Barbara Jean (Doug) Goth of St. Michael, MN; l brother, Andy (Cathy) Roberts of Wadena, MN; a very special niece and nephew, Connie & Russ Carmichael of Park Rapids; as well as other numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. WILLIAM "Bill" JOSEPH ROBERTS February 12, 1940 " May 1, 2010 William "Bill" Joseph Roberts, age 70, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly a longtime Cottage Grove, MN area resident, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones, after fighting a valiant battle against cancer, on Saturday, May l, 2010. Bill was born on February 12, 1940 in Osseo, MN to Glen and Barbara (Shackman) Roberts. At the age of 5, Bill moved with his family to Park Rapids, MN where he attended public school and graduated with the Class of 1958. After high school, Bill ventured to Mpls. where he gained employment. He was married to Velma Rierson and they were blessed with three children: Sherry, Dan and Scott. Bill went on to further his education at the St. Paul Vocational-Technical College where he studied hydraulics. After graduating, he was hired as a line mechanic for the Gillette Corporation in a career that spanned over 30 years. On September 1, 1973, Bill was united in marriage to Mary Arvis in West St. Paul, MN. This union was blessed with three children: Cindy, Jason and JoJo. Bill loved the out of doors. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Over the years, he enjoyed maintaining and riding his Gold Wing Motorcycle. Each spring he looked forward to planting a large vegetable garden which he would nurture into fruitful abundance to share with his family and friends. He was a gifted cook, who could often be heard singing his favorite Frank Sinatra songs as he would be preparing a delicious culinary delight in the kitchen. He loved people and looked forward to hosting parties and the conversations he would have with family and friends around late night campfires. He will be long remembered for his warm sense of humor and his great story telling. He loved playing a good game of cribbage and he always played to win. He loved cars; especially the beauty of a classic muscle car. In 2003, Bill and Mary returned to their home town of Park Rapids where they have enjoyed their last seven years of retirement together. Above all, Bill devoted his life to his precious wife, Mary, his children and his grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary; his six children: JoJo (Adam) Peck of South St. Paul, MN, Jason Roberts of Park Rapids, Cindy (Rick) Bachrodt of Cottage Grove, MN, Scott (Michelle) Roberts of Mound, MN, Dan Roberts of CO. and Sherry (David) Bock of Brainerd, MN; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; 2 sisters: Anne Marie (Duane) Jahn of Blaine, MN and Barbara Jean (Doug) Goth of St. Michael, MN; l brother, Andy (Cathy) Roberts of Wadena, MN; a very special niece and nephew, Connie & Russ Carmichael of Park Rapids; as well as other numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Richard. Funeral services are set for 2 PM Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with the Rev. Loren Ferch officiating. The active casket bearers will be: Rick Bachrodt, Adam Peck, JoJo Peck, Cole Roberts, Jason Roberts, Scott Roberts and Russ Carmichael. The honorary casket bearers will be: Cindy Bachrodt, Bruce Horstman, Eddie Maunu, Ronnie Hanson, Don Buerkley, Bill Bauer, Connie Carmichael, Sherry Bock and Dan Roberts. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids. Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted by the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 Auxiliary in Park Rapids. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of the service on Thursday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home.