William John Zopfi, Jr.

Zopfi, William J. Jr. (Bill) - March 3, 1930 - May 26, 2026 Bill passed away peacefully surrounded by love on May 26, 2026. He will be missed by his loving family: Florence, his devoted wife of 70 years; daughters, Susan (Tony) Hoffman, Sandra Schoenrock, and Sharon (David) Zopfi-Jordan; grandchildren Jason (Amanda) Andert, Jennifer Andert, Joe (Whitney) Andert, Taylor (Charlie) Nelson and William (Nicole) Zopfi-Jordan; great-granddaughters Shelbey and Sawyer Andert; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Zopfi Sr. and Madeline Zopfi; siblings, Beverly Zopfi, Roger Zopfi Sr. and Virginia Anderson; brother-in-law Gerald Anderson; and sisters-in-law, Bonnie Zopfi and Gail Taylor. Bill was born on March 3, 1930, and grew up in St. Paul's North End. His parents owned a grocery store (Zopfi's Market) on Rice Street at Jessamine. His family also had a farm in Lino Lakes, raising cattle for their market - where from an early age Bill learned about hard work and developed skills in business, farming, mechanics and construction. Bill graduated from Washington High School in 1947. He worked at his parent's store, and shortly after high school attended the National School of Meat Cutting in Ohio to help at the store. He also began college at the University of Minnesota. Growing up during WWII, Bill was interested to serve in the military, but he was too young to enroll. He joined the US Air Force in 1950 during the Korean War, and while serving, he applied to a job posting to learn about computers, which led him to attend the IBM Customer Engineering School in New York. Upon completion of the program, Bill received Top Secret cryptographic security clearance to install and repair computer equipment. He served 27 months in Japan and was honorably discharged in 1954 as a Staff Sergeant, followed by six years in the US Air Force reserve. After returning home, Bill began working for 3M on the evening shift, allowing him to attend college during the day. He graduated with a degree in economics from Hamline University in 1961. Bill met the love of his life, Florence Taylor, in 1955 through their families at Central Presbyterian Church, and they were married on February 18, 1956. They welcomed three daughters Sue, Sandi and Sharon over the next four years. In December 1958, Bill experienced a life changing event when he stopped to help a stranded 3Mer on the way home from his night shift. While retrieving a tow chain from the trunk of his car, a drunk driver smashed into the stalled car, pinning Bill between the two vehicles and nearly severing his legs. While lying in the street waiting for the ambulance, Bill prayed to God to let him live and raise his children. He promised God that if he lived, he would do good for God's kingdom on earth. Fortunately, a WWII battlefield surgeon at Anchor Hospital saved Bill's life and his legs. Even though he had extra hardware in his legs for the rest of his life, Bill never let that stop him from doing anything or helping anyone. Bill worked at 3M company for 38 years in Information Technology, with 16 years in the International IT area helping 3M subsidiaries install IBM computer systems in over 40 countries. He developed a love of travel during these years, making friends all over the world. Bill and Florence enjoyed shared travels with family and friends, and in retirement they frequently visited his former international colleagues. Bill was a true Renaissance man who would openly share his knowledge, skills and talents with others. He would happily help anyone who needed it, working tirelessly to complete projects. Over the years he used his skills in design and construction to build a house with his brother Roger, finish basements, build decks, do house additions and countless other major efforts. Before retirement, Bill developed a hobby framing pictures, helping create beautiful pieces for his home, family and friends. Bill was a man of strong faith who volunteered at Central Presbyterian Church in numerous areas. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees, a Ruling Elder, a business advisor, chair of the Investment Committee, chair of the Finance Committee, and chair of the Facilities Committee. He also was the Church Treasurer for many years. Bill knew every nook and cranny of Central - he, his brother Roger, and their friend Jim Oneill could frequently be found addressing the continual fixes & repairs needed in the 150+ year-old Church. Bill enjoyed playing cards, poker with friends, investing, watching the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins as well as good wine and a great steak - he also loved having pizza and beer on his birthday with his family. Bill lived a good and blessed life. He loved his family, and he will be dearly missed. Visitation: 4-7 PM Friday, June 26th at Washburn-McReavy Chapel, 515 Hwy 96 West, Shoreview. Celebration of Life: Service at 11 AM Saturday, June 27th at Central Presbyterian Church, 500 Cedar Street, St Paul, with visitation at 10 AM and lunch following the service. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Central Presbyterian Church Zopfi Building Fund.