William J. Ledwein, age 81, of Annandale died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 at the Cokato Manor Care Center in Cokato. The visitation will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 9:30 a.m. with the service to follow at 10:30. A burial service for family and friends will take place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls on Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. William J. Ledwein, son of Franklin J. Ledwein and Gladys M. Jolicoeur, was born on April 4, 1942 in Minneapolis. He was a 1961 graduate of Annandale High School and joined the U.S. Navy on Aug. 1 of that year. He was stationed at the U.S. Naval Station in Long Beach, California. He was active duty for three years in California and then reserve duty for three years in Bainbridge, Maryland. He returned to Annandale and went on to work for Frank’s Bait Shop and Ledwein Wholesale Bait. He married Bonnie Rassat and had two children, Tim Ledwein and Kelly Jo Ledwein. They later divorced. He married Claire Iverson in 1984 and they had one daughter, Cassandra Ledwein. He was chief of police for the city of Annandale from 1974 and resigned in 1987. Bill was a member of the Annandale Fire Department and a first responder. He spent his later years in Arizona where he had a home. He loved golfing, playing cards and sports. Bill returned to Minnesota for a few months in the summer. After having health issues, he resided at Cokato Manor in Cokato until his death. William J. Ledwein is preceded in death by parents, Franklin Ledwein and Gladys Jolicoeur; stepmother, Harriet Ledwein; sister, Patricia Ledwein Kittok; stepbrothers, Donald Knutson, Thomas Knutson and Barbara (Wesley) Wiegand. Bill is survived by children, Timothy Ledwein, Kelly Jo Ledwein (Joel) Hillman and Cassandra Ledwein; grandchildren, Taylor, Sophia, Jack and Stella; siblings, Jack (Joanne) Ledwein, Kathleen (Robert) Smith, James (Jean) Ledwein and James (Janet) Knutson; and many other extended family members and friends.