William Martin Gydesen, Jr, "Bill" went to his heavenly home to meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 20, 2020.    He was surrounded by his loving wife of 59 years, Lois and their two boys, Paul and Eric.   He was 88 years old.

Bill was born on August 31, 1931 to William M., Sr and Lola V. (Spear) Gydesen.  He is survived by his wife Lois, sons Paul (Suzanne Cremer) Gydesen, Eric (Suzie Johnston) Gydesen; four grandchildren, Nick (Shonda) Gydesen, Amy (Jeff) Horton, Annie and William Gydesen and three great-grandchildren, Benjamin Gydesen, Hadley and Jordan Horton.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Lorraine and Shirley (Wilson) Gydesen.

Bill served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1954 as a Flight Engineer.  After discharge, he dabbled in various jobs until he found his calling in Real Estate.  He worked for Rothschild Realty Group for many years, working his way up from salesman to President when Rothschild's merged with Calhoun Realty.  In 1980, Bill served as President of the Minnesota Realtors Association.

Like his father before him, Bill was active in his community.  He was a life-long member of St Paul's United Methodist Church.  He was instrumental in St Paul's move from their George Street location to their new facility on Wesley Lane.  Bill orchestrated both the sale of the old building and the purchase of land for the new church building.  Bill was on the Board of Directors of BankCherokee for 34 years.  He served on both the Riverview Hospital Board of Directors and the United Hospital Board of Directors as President.  He was a long time member of the West St. Paul Kiwanis Club and a fund raiser for the West St Paul YMCA and St Paul Chapter of March of Dimes.

In addition to his community activities, Bill was a handyman.  He loved a good "project" and he wasn't afraid to ask his brother-in-law's for ample free labor.  After buying a lake home on Balsam Lake, WI in 1970, Bill used their muscle power to expand the boathouse, add an addition to the cabin, build a garage, tear down and rebuild the boathouse and expand the garage.  Finally, in 2000, he hired a contractor to tear down and rebuild the cabin.  He loved the peace and tranquility of Balsam Lake.

Bill and Lois traveled the world.  They took 32 cruises to many places around the globe.  His favorite location was traveling to Denmark to explore his family history and meet his Danish relatives.  He has brought together three generations of Danish and American cousins.

Bill was proud of his boys and their families.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially during the holidays and at Balsam Lake.  He was a patriotic American, a true West-sider and an inspiration for many.  He will be missed.

Memorials can be made to St Paul's United Methodist Church or donor's choice.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at later a date.