William "Bill" D. Taunton, Sr.

William Davis Taunton, 94, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, formally of Willmar, passed away peacefully to his heavenly home on Thursday, Sept. 25th, 2025 at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.  His funeral will be 10:30 am, Saturday, Oct. 4th, at United Methodist Church in Willmar with interment and military honors in Fairview Cemetery.  There will be a visitation from 5-7:00 pm, Friday, Oct. 3rd at Harvey Anderson – Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  www.hafh.org

You can view Bill's funeral service on the churches Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=united%20methodist%20church%20willmar )

Bill was born Feb. 26, 1931, in Eclectic, AL.  He met the love of his life as a young Air Force soldier stationed at a radar facility in the country outside of Finley, ND. He spotted Carol Rosendahl, a 19-year-old country schoolteacher, walking down Main Street in Finley. They were married just two years later, beginning a partnership that would grow for 53 years until the passing of Carol in 2005. Together, they raised seven children instilling in them the values of hard work, faith, and family.

Bill was a loyal friend, and a man known for his kindness and generosity. He believed in giving people a chance, often rooting for the underdog. He found joy in mentoring many high school boys and girls who worked at Tom and Bill’s Red Owl.

A true sportsman and a man’s man, Bill measured the value of a day by how much you sweat. He truly loved to work – whether it was in the grocery store, clearing trees on his Long Lake property, or working the melon and cattle ranch in South Dakota. Bill gave tirelessly back to the community. He devoted his time and energy to many civic organizations.  The Willmar School Foundation and United Way were two of his favorites.

Bill had a lifetime love of all sports, but his passion was baseball and especially from a different angle – behind the plate.  He was an exceptional umpire, working Big Ten games, high school tournaments, and American Legion games. Twice, he was honored to serve as the Crew Chief Umpire behind the plate at the American Legion World Series.  He was inducted into the Minnesota American Legion Hall of Fame in 2012.

South Dakota was truly a special place to Bill. He hosted countless pheasant hunts for friends and family. The “Old Timer’s Hunts” with special friends were probably his favorites.

Bill’s legacy is one of love, service, and strength. He will be remembered as a man who worked hard, gave freely, and believed deeply in the people and places he called home. Mentor to many, devoted husband and family man, Bill’s influence will live on in the lives he touched and the memories he created. God Bless you dad!

Bill is survived by his children, Diana, Lori (Rod) Kreps, Bill Jr. (Julie), Peggy (Dan) Flaig, Thomas (Jane), Paul, Peter (Carolina); 19 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother, Randy; fiancée, Jerri Andersen; and Wally Taunton, caregiver and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; parents, Otis and Emma; several brothers and sisters; grandson, Beau Taunton and son-in-law, Elias Dawley.

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