William B. Bemis, 93, of Cohasset, MN, died on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Maple Woods Assisted Living.

Born in August 1930 to Willis and Margaret Bemis. Bill lived on a family farm and attended a one room schoolhouse. He joined the United States Air Force and served in Motorpool in Africa. After being discharged from the service, Bill returned to Minnesota to farm. He was married to Loretta Mann from 1954 until 1994. They moved to Alaska in 1957 where he became a miner, a heavy equipment operator and owned a mechanic shop. Bill moved back to Cohasset in 1993 and married Janet Dickson in 1995.

Bill was a devoted father to two children: Becky Johnson-Perry born in 1968, and Brian Bemis born in 1970. He was an avid outdoorsman and an expert pilot who loved flying his plane, hunting, fishing, and yard work. Through the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Bill welcomed so many young men and families up to Alaska where they would live on his fold out couch or a tent in the yard until they got on their feet. Family members of Bill are still approached by those same families he helped to express their utmost gratitude.

Bill is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Becky Johnson-Perry and Brian (Cynthia) Bemis; sister, Edna Karjalahti; grandchildren, Siri, Myles, Carmen, Nora, Wyatt, and Jessi; many nieces, nephews, and extended family, and many cherished lifelong friends. He is predeceased by his parents, six brothers, and four sisters.

A visitation will be at 10:00 am with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 12, 2024, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 315 SW 21st St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744 with Father Jeremy Bock officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Olivet Cemetery, Deer River, MN.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.