Moorhead – William “Bill” F. Desrocher, Moorhead, formerly of Thief River Falls, 89, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Eventide Nursing Home, Moorhead with his family by his side.
William “Bill” F. Desrocher was born July 18, 1934 in Verndale, the son of William J. Desrocher and Alice (Bourqeois) Desrocher.
Bill graduated from Verndale High School in 1952. He then went to Bemidji State University, graduating in 1958. Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956. He was an intercept operator at Camp Sobe, Okinawa.
On August 24, 1959, Bill was united in marriage to MaryAnn Frantes at St. Michael’s Church in Mahnomen. To this union 4 daughters, Georgi, Johanna, Lisa, Colette, and a son William were born. He married Julie Jossund on November 21, 1986 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls.
Bill taught at Coleraine and Taconite and was a Principal at Washington and Northrop Elementary, Thief River Falls from 1963 until retiring in 1991.
He loved spending time at his cabin in Fourtown hunting. Bill also enjoyed fishing, shooting archery, reading, football, hockey, family gatherings, and reunions. He was interested in local history and did a lot of research on Minnie Township. He loved teaching and supervising family activities.
Bill is survived by his wife Julie, Dilworth; his children, Georgi (Randy) Bruggeman, Thief River Falls, Lisanne Desrocher, Torrence, CA, Colette Desrocher, Peoria, AZ, and Bill (Lisa) Desrocher, Brainerd; grandchildren, Cassandra, Joshua, Logan, Elisabeth (Bret), Bill, and Seth; and nine great-grandchildren; sister, Lucille (Howard) Selander, Maple Lake; many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his wife MaryAnn Desrocher, February 4, 1982; daughter Johanna, October 6, 2015; a grandson Joseph; his parents; brothers Wilbur, Marvin, Bob, and sister Lorraine.
Funeral services were held at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 11 a.m. with Father Craig Vasek presiding. Visitation was one hour prior to the service. Burial was at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery, Thief River Falls. Military honors were provided by the Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post 117, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and the Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.
Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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