To watch slideshow or memorial service of Bill, please click on little white arrow.

/fh_live/12200/12288/media/Bill-Epple-s-Memorial-Folder.pdf

To view Bill's Memorial Folder, please click on link above.

William Clem "Bill" Epple, 81, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Bill was born June 28, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Wilfred and Hazel Epple and was raised in Minneapolis, MN. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1961 and Dunwoody College of Technology in 1964, he embarked on a 37-year-long and fulfilling career as a draftsman with Blandin Paper Company. After retiring from Blandin Paper Company, he continued to draw house plans for many people in the Grand Rapids area.

Bill's life was beautifully intertwined with his beloved wife, Joyce, whom he met on a memorable blind date to her senior prom arranged by her brother, Bob. On October 3, 1964, William was united in marriage to Joyce Simonson at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. Their union was a testament to enduring love, lasting 60 years. Bill and Joyce raised their family and resided in Grand Rapids.

Outside of his professional life, Bill found joy in hunting, fishing, and contributing to his community through various organizations such as the Jaycees, Kiwanis, and the Northern Minnesota Home Builders Association. He was also active in the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church council, Grace House, and the senior fishing program Let's Go Fishing Itasca Chapter.

Bill is survived by his sons: Ted (Barbara) Epple, Tim Epple, and Tony (Kerri) Epple; daughter Lisa (Mike) Hare; brothers: Dennis Epple (Mick Davis) and John (Kathy) Epple; sister Dorothy Lee and the late Richard Lee; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Rose (Duane) Boorman and Wanda (Larry) Birnbaum; brother-in-law Bob (Toni) Simonson; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Doris (Joe) Machones.

A visitation will be Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow in the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Columbarium.