William "Bill" L. Fair

William “Bill” Fair, 77, of Monticello, passed away on November 11, 2023 at home cared for by family.

Bill was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Minneapolis, on June 16, 1946 to Lawrence “Bud” and Frances “Fran” Fair. After Bill graduated from St. Michael High School in 1964, he went on to study Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology at St. Cloud State University.

After graduating with his degree in 1969, he started his first job with the State of Minnesota as a Probations Officer, which he did for more than 40 years.

In 1967, Bill met Rosanna “Taffy” Kern at a dance hall in St. Cloud and were married on September 27, 1969. Bill and Taffy went on to have three children, Joshua Robert, Aaron Michael, and Alexis Kern.

In 2011, Bill retired and spent his time with his children and grandchildren. He also spent much of his time with friends and neighbors helping anyone who needed it. Volunteerism and community service were an integral part of his life. He served on the city council several times and was the Mayor of Monticello from 1997 to 1999. Bill was a very active member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Lions Club. In his spare time, you would find Bill on the water fishing with friends, playing cards and working in the gardens all around the community.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Bud and Fran; brother, Pete; sister-in-law, Barb (Klein) Fair; and brother-in-law, Ed Votruba.

He is survived by his wife, Taffy; children, Josh (Natasha), Aaron (Amy), Ali (Jon Gielarowski); grandchildren, Kiera, Connor and Kieran Fair, Grace and Paul Guertin, Alexander Gielarowski; siblings, Mary Jo Votruba; Michael (Jackie), Kay (Tom) Healey, Donald (Sue), Patricia Fair (Randy Arnold), Kevin (Pat), Sara Jane (Tim) Doyle; and many nieces and nephews.

Wake service will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with a prayer service at 7:30 PM, at Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel, 250 E Broadway, Monticello. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, 1001 E 7th St. Interment St. Henry’s Cemetery immediately following Mass with a late lunch served at church afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Henry’s Parish Garden Fund to sustain and maintain the gardens at St. Henry’s, a project Bill’s mother initiated and he supported with his labor and resources along with the help of many others.

Serving the family is Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com

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