Willard “Bill” Klingensmith, age 77, of Annandale died on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society in Howard Lake.
Graveside Service with military honors will be held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. For those attending, please meet in assembly area 2 by 8:45 a.m.
Willard Roland Klingensmith was born on April 25, 1948, in Minneapolis, Minn., as the only child to Harold and Jean (Murray) Klingensmith. He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1966. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Bill honorably served during the Vietnam War. Professionally, he worked as a brick mason before dedicating 25 years to the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier.
In 1979, Bill married Linda Fowler in a celebration of love in Las Vegas. After living in Bloomington, he found his true home in Annandale, where he embraced the beauty of life on the lakes, cherishing moments spent boating, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. Bill had a zest for life that was exemplified in his love for golf, his enthusiasm for visiting casinos and, most importantly, the time he devoted to his family.
He is survived by his children, Jeff (Susie) Nelson of Wabasha, Jackie (Dave) O’Brien of Annandale, Chris Klingensmith of St. Francis, and Eva (Pat) Hill of Annandale; grandchildren, Emily, Ben, Kayleigh, Brianna, Elizabeth, Bella, William, Lauren, MJ, and Jackson; great-grandchild, Lua; niece, Lori Andersen; nephews, Steve and Brian Jacobson; brother-in-law, John Jacobson; and many cousins and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Linda; son, Robbie; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Jacobson.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.