"Sorry for your loss Bellman Family - Bill will be missed and sympathy to Jean and all the kids and grandkids. We grew up near the Bellman family - wonderful memories. Sending my best to you all (Lisle Cone)"
In loving memory of
William James Bellman
November 28, 1946 - October 4, 2021
William "Bill" James Bellman, 74, of Winona, died at Gundersen Health System on October 4, 2021. Bill was born November 28, 1946, in Winona to Wilton and Pauline (Zakrzewski) Bellman. He graduated from Cotter High School in 1964 and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1971. Bill married Jean Mahoney on September 21, 1968, and together they raised five children. He served in Vietnam, receiving a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He later served as a captain with the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion in the U.S. Army Reserve. For most of Bill's life, he worked as a park manager for the MN Department of Natural Resources at Beaver Creek, Great River Bluffs, and Lake Louise State Parks.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved spending time with his family, and he had a soft spot for Labrador retrievers. He was also an active member of the VFW post 1287.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jean; five children, Mary Bellman (Rolando Simón) of State College, PA, Marlene A. Bellman (Alberto Napuli) of Olympia, WA, Jeff Bellman (Holly Eklund) of Golden, CO, Dan Bellman (Barbara Palacios) of Sitka, AK, and Barbara (Jordan) O'Byrne of Oronoco, MN; his four grandchildren, Lucia, Fabio, Anna, and Stone; his brother, Jim (Mary) Bellman of Winona; aunt, Bev Bellman of Winona; niece, Lisa Engeman of Winona and nephew, Jacob Bellman of Winona. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; sister, Judy Flemming and nephew, Bill Flemming.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Winona, with the Reverend Michael Cronin officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m., until the time of Mass. He will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery where VFW Post 1287 will provide military honors. Hoff Celebration of Life Center-Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"It was an honor and privilege to work in the same outfit with Bill. I got to know him during my time spent at Beaver Creek Valley in the 1980s. I always remembered the day he brought his sons there fishing trout one rainy day in summer. It was obvious he was a great teacher and father. My sympathy to the family, he was a wonderful man. Gary Bullemer"
"Bill was a man of honor, loyalty and always true to his principles. I am proud of and will miss my best friend."
"Proud to have known you Bill. Jean and family sorry for your loss. The Game Wardens that knew him had the utmost respect. Larry Webinger"
"Jean and family, Sending you my love n sympathy. Always enjoyed talking with Bill, he will be missed by many."
"Jean, So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family."
"Jean, Gini shared the news with me about your husband Bill- I am so sorry to hear this- i wish you comfort with your children and family- sending hugs?"
"I am so sorry Bellman family. My heart breaks for all of you. Prayers, love and hugs. Sara Cone"
"Jean & Family. So sorry for your loss. I am a good friend of Ginny and Jane and met you both several times thru them. Bill was a wonderful man and I am sorry you have to go thru this grief. "
"I met Bill at Lake Louise State Park early with the DNR and saw in him everything a person in our career should aspire to: a commitment to Minnesota\'s resources, a desire that every visitor to the park have an enjoyable experience, and a professional that truly loved his job. I will remember his quiet voice along with his wry smile. "
"Jean & Family: So sorry to hear of the passing of William. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. He will always be in your heart."
"I loved my godfather very much he was like a father figure in my life when he stepped into our family life and helped out as much as he could. I will miss him and so will his main family too and army friends and family members too.I love you Uncle Bill. You are my hero. Love always,
Lisa Engeman "
"Jean and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Robin Delong"
"Jean and family, I am so saddened to read this news. Bill Bellman=total gentleman. I will miss him, his grateful attitude, his giving spirit, his knowledge and his kindness. Rest with Jesus, Bill. Until we meet again."
"RIP NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE "