Service Information
William “Bill” Gould, age 76, of Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2022, at his home in Glencoe, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be Monday, February 7, 2022, 11:00 A.M. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Glencoe.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 3:00-7:00 P.M. at the Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel in Glencoe, and will continue one hour prior the service at the church on Monday.
The service will be live-streamed on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. on the First Congregational United Church of Christ’s Facebook page.
Memorials will go to Bill’s favorite charities.
Obituary
William “Bill” Blake Gould, 76, was born on September 10, 1945, in Minneapolis, Minnesota and died peacefully at home in Glencoe, MN on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Bill is survived by Pam (Eide), his wife of 51 years, and by his sons Bill (Suzanne) of Edina, MN, Dan (Melissa) of Champlin, MN, his nephew Ben (Andrea) Wolfe and by his grandchildren Jay Chochrek, Wyatt Chochrek, Mara Gould, Peyton Gould, Alexis Gould, William Gould, Sawyer Gould, Scott Wolfe and Zoe Wolfe. Bill is preceded in death by his parents William and Marjorie Gould; sister, Mary Gould in infancy; and brothers, Frank Gould and Tom Gould.
Bill’s family has lived in Glencoe for five generations and started a general goods store in 1878 that became Gould’s Diamond & Jewelry. Bill took over the store from his father in 1974 and became a much-loved and active member of the Glencoe community. He and Pam are members of First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Bill is remembered for the care and concern he had for everyone he met, his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, his wonderful sense of humor, and the love he had for his children, grandchildren, family and friends. He always had good things to say, and he passed his love of conversation on to his sons. Being around Bill was a blessing. Bill loved working in his jewelry store, which provided endless opportunities to make new friends and be at the center of business in Glencoe. He also relished time in the townhome he and Pam had on Lake Superior.
Sharon (Wolte/Beneke) Rusley says
Pam, Billy and family, and Danny and family: There are no words at this time that are enough to console a person. Just know that if you need anything, I will be there for you and your families. May the great memories you made and shared help you through this most difficult time.
Kelli Bruhn says
Pam and Family,
So sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working for Bill when I was in high school. He was such a kind man! Pam, you and Bill were such warm, welcoming people. I will cherish those memories forever. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
J. Grimm says
Pam and family, sorry for the loss of this friendly, great man. I enjoyed visiting with Bill when I would make purchases at the store. Prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Judy (Ranzau) Horgen says
Pam and family:
I am so sorry for your loss of Bill. We started as childhood friends as both of our fathers were classmates together in school and they were lifelong friends before they passed away. I worked for his dad in his jewelry store. We had many New Year’s Eve’s getting together with our parents while we were in school. May he rest in peace.
Jane Graupmann Haarstad says
To Bill’s family: I worked at the store for Bill Sr. In high school 1969. I met Bill Jr. as he walked into the store on Saturday afternoons. I made sure I had Snicker candy bars for him as a bribe to have him work the rest of my shift. And of course he was so kind to do it. He always had a chuckle or a smile for me. Working for Gould’s wasn’t just a job it was a life experience. Thank you. You will be missed.
Denis Lloyd Hofstetter says
My sympathy to the family. I will always have fond memories of Bill.
Janel says
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. Always a happy and friendly face!!! Thoughts and prayers are with all!!!
Gail Rach and family says
Pam and Family,
So sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was such a nice, caring man. He will be missed.
JoAnn & Bob Kroells says
Truly a wonderful person. Always enjoyed my visits to the store. Bill will be missed. In our thoughts and prayers.
Jamie S. Alsleben says
Gould family,
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful guy with all of us through the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time of loss. We all lost a real “gem” of a man; he will sadly be missed by all of us! Peace to each of you.
Shirley Kremer says
To Bill’s family: I worked for Bill Sr. at Gould’s Jewelry my senior of high school 1959-60. The Gould family is well remembered from that time. Bill, Jr. was younger than me so I remember his coming in the store often.
It was my first job so I learned a lot during that time & learned how to deal with the public. It was educational and fun.
Thank you, you will be missed as a downtown fixture.
Robert Carlson says
Bill and his talent with jewelry will live on in my life. I am wearing my mom and dad’s wedding ring combined into my own that will be a cherished memory forever in my family.
Muriel Brand says
Sending Love and Sympathy to Pam and family.
George and Liz Scheidt says
It was with much sadness that we received the news of Bill’s passing. We will remember Bill as being such a genuine, warm, caring, and generous person. He was an humanitarian whose life touched ours and the lives of so many others. He will be greatly missed.
We wish to express our heart felt condolences to his family. We pray that your memories of Bill will sustain you in the days ahead. You will all be in our prayers.
Kathy Harms says
Bill was a wonderful person. I always enjoyed visiting with him at the store. He will be greatly missed!
Jim & MARY ANN ZELM says
Our deepest sympathy to you Pam and your family. Bill always had a smile and uplifting word for everyone he met. Be comforted by his memory.
Dianne L Ziesmer says
To Bill’s family: I only knew Bill through the jewelry store. Though I did not shop there often, I felt like I made a friend, when I left. He was so warm and friendly, welcoming. I don’t know what will happen to the store, but I will never pass it without thinking of him. Rest in peace Bill. You touched so many lives.
Rebecca Felling says
Pam and family, my sympathy to all of you. May your wonderful memories sustain you. Becky Felling