William David Clynes

Clynes, William D. "Bill" Bill Clynes, a loving family man and touchstone in the local commercial construction community passed away in the loving care of N.C. Little Hospice, Edina MN, on October 8, 2020. A service in celebration of Bill's life will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Edina on June 7 at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will be at Lake Nebagamon Cemetery on a future date. You may join a livestream of the service via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ststephensedina/ Survived by son David, sister Mary Alice (Fosse), nephews Tom (Lynn) Crowley, Joe Crowley and niece JoAnne Makely and untold loving family and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years Lois and two daughters (in infancy), a brother John (in infancy) and parents Dennis J. and Anita D. (Pierce) Clynes. Born in Milwaukee WI on Nov. 2, 1927, Bill grew up in Niles Township (now Skokie) IL. As high school years were WW2 times, Bill and his family moved around the country as his father built facilities in support of the war. During summer in Provo UT Bill picked peaches on local farms. In Sunset Beach CA Bill was a riveter on C47 and A26 airplanes at Douglas Aircraft. Returning to Niles Township for his last year, Bill graduated high school in 1945. Immediately afterwards Bill attended Northwestern University, Evanston IL for a portion of a year and then accepted his invitation from the US Army in 1946. After basic training in Ft. McClellan AL, Bill graduated from Officers Candidate School and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. at Ft. Benning GA in 1947. While attending Army Engineer School at Ft. Belvoir VA Bill met his future bride, the lovely Lois Lindquist. With WW2 over, Bill was sent to Korea to serve in the US Army of occupation. Stationed in Taegu, Bill's predominant role was as Company Commander of C Company, 6th Engineer Combat Battalion, with responsibility for an engineering utility detachment added later. During this time many special letters crossed the Pacific between Bill and Lois. After finishing his military service in Korea in 1948, Bill accepted his discharge before hostilities began on the Korean Peninsula in 1950. After military service, Bill attended Purdue University as a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1953. Bill and Lois were married February 7th of that same year in Brainerd MN. Married life began in Chicago IL, then projects with George A Fuller brought Bill and Lois to Milwaukee WI, Indianapolis IN, (where son David was born), Lorain OH and finally Minneapolis where Bill served as on-site manager for construction of the Northwestern National Life building (now Voya Financial 20 Washington), "Bill's Building" in 1963. Desiring to stay in one place to raise their son, Bill changed jobs and the family settled in the Minneapolis area. Retiring in 1993 from C. F. Haglin and Sons, Bill had a very successful 40-year career in the commercial and industrial construction industry, making many good friends along the way. Although outwardly a bit stoic at times, Bill's faith community held a significant place in his life. Bill and Lois were active in Cursillo. Bill was warden at St. Alban's Episcopal Church. At St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Bill was a faithful member of his Cursillo 4th day group and most recently especially enjoyed the community of Wednesday night dinners with parish families and kids. In his later professional career and continuing well into retirement, Bill was an esteemed member in good standing of the Pearson's Wisdom Table in Edina where much knowledge and joy was exchanged with good friends almost every weekday morning for many years. Bill joined Edina Rotary in 1976 and would be the first to say his life was much richer for having done so. Holding the office of president in 1983-84, Bill led the district Ambassadorial Scholar program from 1988 to 1995. In this role Bill arranged for local advisors for some 50+ graduate students from all over the world. Lois and Bill hosted frequent dinners and gatherings with these mentored students that generated wonderful friendships - many lasting to today. David wishes to thank Bill's primary care team headed by Dr. Cummings, the caregivers at Abbott NW Hospital and the special care of N. C. Little Hospice in Edina. In lieu of flowers please direct any memorials to: the Children's Ministries of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, N. C. Little Memorial Hospice or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

William David Clynes

November 2, 1927 - October 8, 2020

Tributes

William David Clynes

November 2, 1927 - October 8, 2020

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203