Obituary
William D. “Bill” Chamberlain
William D. “Bill” Chamberlain, 73, died peacefully at home on Wednesday December 3, 2014, surrounded by family.
Bill was born October 15, 1941 in Hibbing, MN to Gerald “Dan” and Margaret “Muggs” Chamberlain. He graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine, MN in 1959.and joined the U.S. Army later that same year. He remained in the army thru 1967, and served assignments overseas in Korea and Paris, France.
Bill married Merrie Jo Cann on June 26, 1965 in Hibbing, MN. They settled in Babbitt, MN where Bill managed the local ice arena, coached youth hockey and served as a referee for the older leagues. Bill’s involvement in hockey led to friendships with several members of the 1980 Olympic Hockey team, including William “Buzzy” Scheider and Herb Brooks.
Bill attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Minneapolis, MN and graduated in April 1977 with a diploma in A/C Refrigeration Service. This began a lengthy career in the commercial Air Conditioning Industry. Bill was proudly employed for the last 33 years with the Trane Corporation, serving as a training engineer for the last 18 years in LaCrosse, WI.
Bill was very involved in the Boy Scouts of America with his son while growing up. In his free time, Bill also enjoyed reading, woodworking, watching sports, and had been very involved in church including serving on the Executive Council and leading an adult bible study group.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Dan and Muggs, his brother Curt and close Uncle James “Bud” Ryser.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Merrie Jo of LaCrosse, children Sheryl (Mark) Havermann, of Omaha, NE; Shannon (Brad) Kubasta of Hudson, WI and Jerald (Juliaette) Chamberlain of Springfield, MO; grandchildren Aleigha, Kielynn, Brielle, William, Jack, and Cy; Special niece and nephew Krista (Rob) Sjostrand and Scott (Jacque) Chamberlain both of Grand Rapids, MN; Bill is also survived by many extended family including aunts, uncles, brother and sister-in laws, and numerous nieces, and nephews.
Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in La Crosse, WI on Saturday December 13th, 2014 at 2pm. The Rev’d Canon Dr. Patrick Augustine will officiate. Friends and family may call from 1:30pm until time of service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to JDRF or Christ Church of LaCrosse are preferred. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Dear Merrie Jo and Family,
Words always seem inadequate at times like this, but Bill was a great man who lived by his convictions and was a man of principle. Bill was my mentor for many years at Trane and we traveled the road together numerous times. We shared a few meals and wine together. He attended our children’s weddings and other family events. He loved life, loved to laugh and could offer sound and sage advice as well. He was an important and integral part of my life for many years and I will always be grateful. My and Daniela’s thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Wes Shaver
I am so glad that Doug and I had a chance to meet Bill whom we both found to be a quiet man with positive words and thoughts. I know you will miss him greatly; only time will help with the healing process. I so wish I could be right there for you, but you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. God Bless, Kathy Oberg Freeborg
I had the honor of working with Bill both while he was in Denver and LaCrosse. He was very knowledgeable and respected in his field. Bill was a pleasure to work with and always the gentlemen. You have my deepest heart felt sympathies.