Burial with Military Honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in the Free Gospel Alliance Cemetery, Naytahwaush, MN. Memorial Service were previously held in Minneapolis, MN.

Peacefully and in the comforting presence of family, William "Bill" Wadena, 68, of Minneapolis, MN, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022 in Naytahwaush, MN, under the loving care of his sister.

Born William Hunt, in Minneapolis, MN, Bill was honored to take on the family name of his father, Wadena, before joining the U.S. Marines with a close friend at the age of 17. While in the military, he was an auto mechanic, which served him well in his hobby of caring for and working on his prized 1957 Harley Davidson pan head motorcycle throughout his life. Following his military service, William became a devout student of Southern Praying Mantis style Kung-Fu in the 1970s under Grandmaster Gin Foon Mark. The core tenants of this training applied well to his career as a hardworking and loyal machinist for Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) and, later, journeyman mechanic for Local 34 of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Union. William's proudest role of his life – that of father and grandfather – began with his relationship to former wife, Debra Sullender; married in the summer of 1987.

An effortlessly astute observer of the world, William found equal pleasure in the quiet beauty found while walking his dogs at Minnehaha park and the bustling energy of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. While Bill found enjoyment in playing Call of Duty or watching a game of golf on television, his greatest happiness and his gift was in connecting with others. A reliably unpredictable storyteller with unconventional humor, people of all walks of life were drawn to him. Throughout his life, Bill was unwaveringly loyal, fiercely protective, and a proud supporter of the people he loved. He was always eager to share his time in the presence of others. Bill relished his time with friends and family; connecting with neighbors, co-workers, and fellow veterans in the commons of the Minneapolis VA Hospital; and devoting his attentive love and pride to his grandchildren.

Dad, you will be forever loved and missed a whole bunch more than a little bit and a little bit more than a whole bunch by your two daughters, Miranda and Sarah Harrison; their spouses, Justin (Miranda) Fellenz and Darrin (Sarah) Jacobson; and five grandchildren, Alex Jacobson, Skylar Fellenz, Allura Fellenz, Kailani Fellenz, and Rivia Fellenz. Bill will be deeply missed by many loving family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and caretakers who mourn his passing including brothers, Donald Hunt of Mahnomen, MN, and Leonard Wadena of Naytahwaush, MN; sister, Lynette Londo of Naytahwaush, MN; brothers-in-law, Joel (Lynette) Londo of Naytahwaush, MN, David Deegan of Mahnomen, MN and LeRoy Anderson of California; former wife and lifelong friend, Debra Sullender; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

William was welcomed home by our Heavenly Father and his parents, Leonard and Sylvia (Manly) Wadena; maternal grandparents, William and Martha (Alsager) Manley and paternal grandparents, George and Josephine Wadena; sisters, Josephine "Jody" Biskey and Ethel "Tinker" Deegan; brothers Kenneth Hunt and Stephen Hunt; brothers-in-law, Earl Hoagland and Robert Biskey; several aunts and uncles; mentor, Master Mark; and beloved companion dogs Whiney and Puppy.

On behalf of William, thank you to the Minneapolis VA team and Bill's sister for their care and compassion with a special thank you to Bill's dear friend and care professional, Lisa Possis.

Grandfather, Father, Niiji, Amigo – rest in peace and love

Burial with Military Honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in the Free Gospel Alliance Cemetery, Naytahwaush, MN. Memorial Service were previously held in Minneapolis, MN.