William John Hay

William "Bill" John Hay of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 22, 2026. Bill was born exactly 89 years earlier, on May 22, 1937, in Adrian, Minnesota, the oldest child of John and Esther Hay, née Venables. He spent most of his childhood in Worthington, Minnesota, though the family also lived for five years in California during World War II, where his father worked in the defense industry. After graduating from Worthington High School in 1955, Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician, stationed primarily at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Following his military service, Bill attended Worthington State Junior College before transferring to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he earned a degree in Sociology. While attending the University of Minnesota and working as an orderly at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Bill met a pretty young nurse, Evelyn Morey. The two were married on August 29, 1964. Soon after their marriage, Bill enrolled at William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, attending classes at night while working full time. Upon graduating in 1968, Bill began what would become his life's work as an attorney, first with Western Life Insurance Company and later with The St. Paul Companies, where he rose to the position of Senior Vice President and General Counsel. After retiring in 1992, Bill pursued a number of interests, including gliding, fly-tying and fly fishing, carving, cooking, knife-making, traveling, and reading. Above all, however, his greatest passion was his family, and he and Evelyn delighted in lavishing time, attention, and love on their children and grandchildren. For many years, they maintained a beautiful home on the shore of Lake Superior near Grand Marais, Minnesota, where they hosted countless gatherings of family and friends. In recent years, Bill and Evelyn relocated first to Roseville, Minnesota, and later to Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Throughout his long and fruitful life, Bill's gentle spirit and calm demeanor were a testament to his faith and his assurance of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn; his three children, Patricia Giammarco of Columbus, Ohio, John (Mary) Hay of Grand Marais, Minnesota, and James (Elise) Hay of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and his nine grandchildren, Anthony (Molly) Giammarco, Nicholas (Brianna) Giammarco, Alisa (Nick) Meyers, Brenna Hay, Marin (Noah) Mursu, Anna Hay, Caleb (Sarah) Hay, Peter Hay, and Lydia Hay. He is also survived by his siblings, Jerry (Elaine) Hay, Joan (Monica) Keumper, and Leslie (Michael) Bernard. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther Hay. A celebration of Bill's life will take place at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel in Edina, Minnesota on Friday, May 29, 2026, with Visitation beginning at 9:00 AM and Service to follow at 10:00 AM. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Feed My Starving Children.

William John Hay

May 22, 1937 - May 22, 2026

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