WILLIAM “BILL” E. BELANGER

Survivors include his two children and their spouses, Erin and Scott Bouchard of Thornton, CO, and Jack and Taylor Belanger of Centennial, CO, five grandchildren, Charlize, Elin, and Eva Bouchard, and Austyn and Wesley Belanger, his father, Gordon “Gordy” Belanger of Maple Grove, MN, and partner, Brenda Lilemon of Slayton, MN. He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen Belanger and wife, Rhonda.

Funeral services were held at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The organist was Judy Andrews. The song leaders were Karen Beers and Rita Lear. The pallbearers were Jack Belanger, Scott Bouchard, Brady Johnson, John Zdrazil, Jeff Carlson, Jeff Like, Chad Swenson, and Chad Johanson. Interment was at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Slayton, MN.

Visitation was on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN from 4-6 p.m. also one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com.

Bill Belanger was born on January 31, 1957, in Tucson, Arizona to Gordon and Helen Smith Belanger. As a young boy Bill moved with his family to Crystal, MN. Bill graduated from Cooper High School and then attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN and later North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. On December 18, 1982, he and Rhonda Johnson were married at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN. Following their marriage, they made their home in Champlin, MN. In 1993 they moved to Ankeny, IA where they owned and operated Belpro Restoration and Construction. In 2009 they moved to Slayton and Bill worked for Finley Engineering as a field representative. Rhonda passed away on August 4, 2013. Bill remained in Slayton and in 2017 he met Brenda “Lily” Lillemon and the two have been together since that meeting. Bill passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Murray County Medical Center in Slayton at the age of 65. Bill, otherwise known as “Wild Bill”, “Wilbur”, and “Grandpa Santa” was a wonderful person. He loved people. His greatest gift was talking. He could make any person comfortable immediately because he was unapologetically himself and allowed you to be yourself too. He pestered and teased those he loved, but we all loved him for it. Bill was a wonderful husband, protector, and father. He wanted what was best for people and really spent the time he needed to, to make his kids into happy, well-rounded people. He prided himself in that. He and his wife had more fun together than the average pair. Through the good and bad, there was a great love between the two. For those who knew Bill, knew that he loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt and go fishing with his buddies and family. He loved being up at his lake lot. He spent a lot of time landscaping, planting trees, and making it an inviting place. He enjoyed having neighbors stop by and having his family up to enjoy the space. Everything he did was to make it nice for his kids and grandchildren someday. He chopped a lot of wood and has always enjoyed having campfires, both in Slayton and at the lake. Some of his best stories and meaningful conversations happened around a campfire or in the garage. His garage door going up meant he was around to socialize. Throughout his life, he was never afraid of an adventure. He had more stories about fun antics growing up with his friends in Crystal. Bill and Rhonda and kids had a lot of fun living in Minnesota as young people, and then moving to Iowa. They had so many wonderful friends and had a beautiful life there. Moving back to Minnesota only lead to more great moments with family, and many new friendships. Bill’s last years were spent with his girlfriend Brenda. They enjoyed their time together and were great friends. Fishing, dancing, and having many laughs together. He was very lucky to have two loves in his lifetime. He also really enjoyed calling up his 96-year-old dad, Gordy, and talking sports with him. His time with him was important to him.