William (Bill) Louis Frutiger, age 93, of Aitkin, MN died on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Riverwood Healthcare Center.

Bill was born in Rochester, Minnesota on November 7, 1932 the son of Louis and Ruth Frutiger. He graduated from Rochester High School and attended Dunwoody Institute graduating with a certificate in small engine repair. He married Joann in 1956 and they celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2006 just before her passing.

He worked in many areas of carpentry in his early years. He started his career in Yellowstone National Park working in the sign shop. After moving back to the Rochester area he moved up as a tradesman in carpentry specializing in finish carpentry. Some of the projects he worked on were the new construction of the Apache Mall, Red Owl and Shakey’s Pizza. He has also worked as a foreman, a building inspector for the city of Rochester, a draftsman, and learned how to weld. While in Rochester he built the house the family lived in.

The family moved to the Houston area when he began building the tree houses and other buildings for Whispering Hills Girl Scout Camp. He and Joann owned the Our Own Hardware store in Houston, MN for 10 years and finished his work career as the property manager for River Trails Girl Scout Council.

Bill loved to travel and read, he had a lifelong thirst for knowledge. He also enjoyed rifle and shotgun shooting and won many awards. In his later days was a shooter for gun dog trials. He believed in and taught sustainable hunting and passed down his love and knowledge of nature and conservation to his children, grandchildren, the community, and anyone willing to listen. Many knew him as “Uncle Bill”.

Teaching was a lifelong passion. He taught woodcarving, stained glass and fish casting classes through community education. He was a Gun Safety trainer for the State of Minnesota for over 30 years. He was a certified instructor for 4H National Shooting competitions. He served as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America and volunteered at Hoedown for many years.

He is survived by his children: Margie Frutiger, Karen Wheeler (Dale), Beth McCusker (Shawn) and Martha Finklea (Charles); five grandchildren, Nick (Tanya) Jore, Natalie Jore, Andrew Finklea, Dylan Finklea, and Grayson Finklea; six great grandchildren, Kloe Jore, Aunnan Jore, Mariah Jore, Will Jore, Ashton Towne, and Abigail Towne. Along with many loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joann Elizabeth Frutiger; his parents, Louis and Ruth Frutiger; sisters Ruth Jasik, Peg Shelton and Kay Molstrom.

As an avid hunter and fisherman he excelled at both but if you asked him to chose one he would rather be fishing. And, if you wondered where he was on Wednesday, he’s gone fishing with his favorite fishing partner Don VanGundy.

Memorial service will be 11:00am – Monday, May 18, 2026 at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, Minnesota.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in Oronoco Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin.  To leave a message of condolence, go to www.srtfuneral.com

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