December 2, 1935 – November 19, 2023
William “Bill” Demarais, age 87, of Delano (formerly of Waverly), passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.
Bill was born on December 2, 1935, in Maple Lake, MN, the son of the late Roy and Anna Demarais. He was educated at the local Catholic school, and then went on to serve in the United States Airforce. Upon coming home from the service, he met his future wife and best friend Pat at a dance in Maple Lake. Bill and Pat were united in marriage on May 11, 1963, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly. They were blessed with six children, and later even more blessed with 10 grandchildren and then 9 great-grandchildren. He was fondly known to his family as “Pops” and taught them the tradition of having a nickname for everyone, and always cracking jokes.
Despite Bill’s declining health, he never lost his charismatic sense of humor and kept everyone entertained until the day he passed. Bill was a storyteller and an occasional embellisher, but everyone loved to listen and laugh at his stories. He was especially proud of his “Rich Mellow Tones” and graced his family with a song at the end of every visit, always changing the lyrics which always made them laugh.
Left to honor his legacy & cherish his memory are his loving wife Pat of 60 years, children – Dave (Jen) of Buffalo, Steve (DeeDee) of Howard Lake, Dan (Linda) of Howard Lake, Brenda (Dave) LePage of Delano, Kim of Delano, son-in-law Michael of Waverly, “daughter- niece” MaryBeth, and his faithful pup Sam. Sister Bernie Vadner of Silver Bay. Grandchildren: Bryan (Kayla), Dalton (Bethany), Rachel, Jacob (Trisha), Tessa (Jeremy), Ross, Dane, Kenzie (Kaleb), Maddie and Olivia. Great-grandchildren: Aleks, Charlie, Luke, Kenna, Anna, Claire, Tate, Kalvin, Kashius, and a new baby due in January. Many nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and honorary children and grandchildren he had acquired through the years.
Preceded in death by his daughter Dawn, parents Roy and Anna, siblings Mary, Shirley, Donna, Donald, Jerry, Peggy, Anna & Katie, many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Mass of Christian Burial for William “Bill” Demarais will be held at a future date.
To our extended family
We will greatly miss our Grandpa Bill. Kate, Carter, & Keegan refer to him as Grandpa Bill to this day. He will be greatly missed.
To Grandma Pat sending prayers to you the girls and the boys. As we remember all his antics whenever we were there.
He and Grandma Pat were always there to help as the girls watched my kids. Sending love your way
Tim and Aimee
My Uncle Bill was a great guy. Always had a story. I remember as a kid we would visit him and Aunt Pat and the kids at the farm and he took me out on the snow mobile sled thru the plowed field. He will be in my heart forever.
God Speed Uncle Bill
Good Bye “uncle Bill”! Thanks for all the fun & fond memories.
Uncle Bill you will be greatly missed. We had such a great connection through baseball, and all the Demarais Christmas parties! Lots of fun memories at your farm too. I will treasure the memories. RIP Love you Always! The Koch Family Herb and Shelly
Another reason to give thanks today. The gift of many years of friendship and delightful memories we shared with Bill and Pat. Blessed be his memory.
I loved uncle bull….bill. he always gave us just enough information to keep us guessing if he was telling the truth or just pulling our legs. “What’s this uncle bill??? That’s a thing that makes little boys ask questions.” He always had a good nickname for us. He will be missed.