William “Bill” Walsh

Obituary

William “Bill” Michael Walsh was born on November 14, 1934, in Henderson, Minnesota. He was the son of Matthew and Margaret (Doheny) Walsh. Bill was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Henderson. He received his education in Henderson and was a graduate of the Henderson High School Class of 1953.

On November 24, 1953, Bill entered active military service and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Bill was Honorably Discharged on September 30, 1955, having achieved the rank of SP3.

On December 6, 1958, Bill was united in marriage to Lorraine Kahle at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Henderson. After their marriage, the couple resided in Henderson until 1966, when they moved to Gaylord. Bill was employed at the Ford dealership in Gaylord as the service manager for 40 years. Bill and Lorraine were blessed with four children. Bill and Lorraine shared 66 years of marriage when she passed away on July 5, 2025.

Bill was a member of the Henderson Fire Department from 1959-1966 and Gaylord Fire Department from 1966-2001. He served as Assistant Chief for 14 years and as the Chief for 15 years. Bill served on the Gaylord Park Board from 1978-present. Baseball was a big part of Bill’s life. He was a player, manager and board member for the Gaylord Baseball Association from 1966 to present. In 1993 the baseball field in Gaylord was renamed to Walsh Field in honor the countless hours of work he put into caring for the field. Bill was elected into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999. Bill was a member of the high school football chain gang for 40 years. He was a Boy Scout leader in Henderson and Gaylord for many years. He ran the Pass, Punt and Kick program for 30 years. Bill was very active in the community and received the Sertoma, Service to Mankind Award.

Bill was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Gaylord.

Bill loved all sports, participating in football, baseball and basketball. Every Saturday night, Bill had a supper date with Lorraine; this was something they looked forward to every week. Bill cherished the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

When he needed assistance with his care, Bill and Lorraine became residents of the Assisted Living at Bayside Manor in Gaylord. Bill passed away there on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the age of 91 years. Blessed be his memory.

Bill is survived by his:
Children, Mike (Jan) Walsh of Gaylord, MN,
Cindy (Roger) Franke of Kasson, MN,
Doug (Traci) Walsh of Chaska, MN, and
Randy (Ann) Walsh of Gaylord, MN;
Grandchildren, Brad (Amanda) Walsh, Holly (Travis) Otto, Amy (Dan) Gunderson, Matt (Kristen) Franke, Mason Walsh and his significant other, Lydia, Marcus Walsh, Tanner (Taylor) Walsh, and Breann (Mark) Huneke;
Great-grandchildren, Harper Walsh, Griffin Walsh, Seville Walsh, Grady Walsh, Kyson Walsh, Braxton Otto, Sydney Otto, Landen Gunderson, Madison Gunderson, Paisley Franke, McCoy Franke, Tenley Franke, Noah Walsh;
Sister, Shirley (Gene) Brandt of North Mankato, MN;
Sister-in-law, Harriet Troldahl of Gaylord, MN;
Brother-in-law, Wayne (Peggy) Kahle of Paynesville, MN;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his Wife, Lorraine Walsh; Parents, Matt and Margaret Walsh; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Lloyd and Phyllis Kahle; Great-grandchildren, Sawyer Otto, Brynlee Otto, Parker Otto; Sister, Kitty Jo Collins and her husband, Dick; Brother-in-law, Dayle Troldahl.