William “Bill” John Gatheridge, 78, born on June 18, 1946, in Hallock, Minnesota, left us on December 2, 2024, at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston. His journey through life was marked by an unwavering love for family.
When he arrived in Crookston, he began work at the Parts Department for Salem Motors. After that he went on to Big A Auto, and finally SunOpta.
Bill attended the Northwest school of Agriculture before his education at Donwoody College of Technology, where he majored in Auto Mechanics.
One of the sweetest chapters of Bill’s life began on a day at church, where destiny unfolded when he met his wife to be, Verna (Seaton). Their connection blossomed and were married on July 22, 1989. Together, they crafted a life filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.
Bill was a remarkable man of many interests; he had a love for collecting many things, especially ties. A few of his ties is the Masonic Symbol, which Bill was a proud member of for many years. His journey with the Masons began in the Hallock, MN chapter, in 1969. From there, he affiliated with the Crookston Lodge in 1989, but had also been affiliated with Red River, Corinthian, and the Roseau Lodges. Bill was highly active and held several different roles throughout the years, serving in a kipumber of ways, and earning the honorable Masonic Hiram Award in 2003, for his Outstanding Service to the Fraternity and another award for his 50 years of service in 2019. Bill loved serving others through this role, but also really and truly appreciated the Brotherhood of the Masons. Bill was also notably a member of the KEM Temple Shrine and active in Crookston Order of Eastern Star and was most recently serving as a chaplain at the meetings. After his marriage to Verna, Bill and she joined the Crookston Classic Cruisers and have been longtime members ever since.
May God Bless the Memory of William John Gatheridge.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of many years, Verna Gatheridge; Children, Lou Ann Gatheridge, Connie Gatheridge, and Jonathon Gatheridge; Stepchildren: Renee Tacheny, Melissa Tacheny, and Ginger Maitland, and Lynnette Seaton (Darin Kelly); Grandchildren, Mike Seaton Jr. (Leslie), Terri (Roy) Klipping; a Great-Grandson, Zachary Seaton; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene Gatheridge; a daughter, Cheryl Gatheridge; a son, William “Willie” Gatheridge; a stepson, Mike Seaton Sr.; and many other relatives.
The Funeral Service honoring Bill’s life will be on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Crookston, with Pastor Ruth Sanders Officiating. Visitation with the family will be held one-hour prior to the service. Please join the family to refreshments and fellowship immediately following services. Please visit www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries, and following the prompts to Bill’s page, to leave condolences for the family.
