William Arnold Kirkpatrick

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for" -John Shedd. If ever there was a man who thrived sailing beyond life's harbor, it was Bill Kirkpatrick. He shared that joy with so many people, and our world has dimmed with his passing on July 26, 2024. William Arnold Kirkpatrick was born April 1, 1967 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Son of Bill and Jane (Arnold) Kirkpatrick, he inherited a love for sailing, skiing, and traveling, passions that grew over time. After graduating from Central High School, he earned his degree in political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Throughout his life, he was eager to engage people in thoughtful dialogues about politics, current events and his love for the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. After college, Bill found his home in Minneapolis. On April 16, 1993, he married his beloved Susan Young, and together with their daughter Ellen and son Will, they filled their home with friends, family, laughter and love. After starting as a commercial loan officer, Bill's entrepreneurial spirit led him to open doors at Big Blue Boxes/Portable Storage of MN in 2001. Throughout his career he grew the company to a team of over 100, and established a reputation of exceptional customer service and integrity. Bill fostered a family oriented culture which was enhanced by his vision, generosity, and enthusiasm. Bill's adventures continued with summer sailing on Lakes Pepin and Harriet, and water sports on Lake Superior at the Kirkpatrick family cabin. A home in Vail offered mountain sunsets, autumn hikes and fresh tracks on the back bowls. He delighted in sharing those times and places with family and friends. Bill never knew his mother's brother William Tamm Arnold, a Navy pilot who went MIA in Vietnam the same year Bill was born. His sacrifice had a profound influence on Billy, deepening his love of country, and spurring him to endow a scholarship for qualified ROTC candidates at the University of Wisconsin. Many other organizations benefited from Billy's commitment to philanthropy. He was guided in his generosity by the principles of his faith, and was quick to recognize and meet needs on a local and global level. Bill's Catholic faith was a source of inspiration and comfort to him through many challenges, none greater than his four year struggle with melanoma. He and Susan deepened their faith on several escorted trips to the Holy Land, Rome and other sites. That unwavering faith enabled him to face his illness with grace and courage. The family extends its deepest gratitude to The Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Oncology and Allina Health for their expertise and compassionate care. Bill's final days were filled with enduring love and comfort of his family and many close friends. He died peacefully at home, comforted in the knowledge that we would all take care of each other. Billy is survived by his cherished wife Susan, daughter Ellen and son Will. He is also survived by his parents Bill and Jane, sister Kirstin (Joel) Kaines, aunt Judy, in-laws Tom and Mary Jane Young, and many nieces, nephews and countless friends who were family. We are blessed to share his memory with you. As we walk through grief together, we are reminded by a phrase Billy often shared in times of sorrow: "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened"- Dr Seuss. Visitation with story sharing on Sunday, August 11th starting at 4pm at Hyland Ski Area, 8800 Chalet Road Bloomington MN. Funeral mass on Monday, August 12th at 3pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2914 West 44th St. Minneapolis MN. Dinner reception to follow. Funeral mass will be live streamed at https://www.stthomasmpls.org/funerals/. In lieu of flowers please donate to Catholic Charities Twin Cities according to Bill's wishes, https://cctwincities.org/donate/. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

William Arnold Kirkpatrick

April 1, 1967 - July 26, 2024

Tributes

William Arnold Kirkpatrick

April 1, 1967 - July 26, 2024

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