Cover photo for William Jagow's Obituary
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1941 William 2018

William Jagow

August 2, 1941 — April 30, 2018

William (Bill) Jagow of Willmar left this life for his heavenly home on Monday, April 30th.


A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 7, at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Willmar. A private interment will be at Fairview Cemetery will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.


William C.E. Jagow was born on August 2, 1941, in Appleton, Minnesota to William H. and Lillie (Hoffman) Jagow. He grew up on the family farm near Holloway, the youngest of 6 children. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairfield Township. He attended school through grade eight at District 99 and graduated from Holloway High School in 1959, where he was a member of the baseball, football, and basketball teams. On July 18, 1959, Bill married Kathryn Smith of Holloway. Their marriage was blessed with two children; Michelle in 1964 and William in 1969. In July of 2017, Bill and Kathy celebrated 58 years of marriage. Bill served four years in the United States Air Force as a member of the Combat Defense Squadron stationed at Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas. In June of 1964, he earned the distinction of being named Airman of the month for his squadron. Upon his discharge in April of 1965, he returned with his wife and daughter to Minnesota, where he accepted employment with Great Northern Railway in St. Paul. In August of 1972, he and his family moved to the Willmar office of the newly merged Burlington Northern Railway, where he remained employed until his retirement in January of 2002. Upon retirement, Bill and Kathy traveled frequently in the United States and Canada. Bill enjoyed driving and many of the trips they planned included visits to lesser known places of interest. Bill's roots were precious to him, and his family was his priority. He participated in planning the Holloway All-School Reunion and enjoyed visiting with former schoolmates. Attending his children's school activities was a priority. Grandchildren were a source of great joy. He shared his love of the outdoors with his son, and together they spent countless hours fishing, hunting, and trapping. With his daughter, he shared his love of photography, shopping with her as a teenager for her first quality camera. His role of grandfather provided endless joy to him in his senior years. In the early years, he was available for one-on-one floor playtime. In the middle years, he was readily available to provide needed assistance, and as teenagers, he was deeply proud of each and every grandchild's achievements.


He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; one daughter, Michelle (and Barry) Arndt of Danneborg, NE; one son, Bill (and Sarah) Jagow of Willmar; seven grandchildren Anna Arndt, Helen Arndt, Jenna Jagow, Seth Jagow, Jeremiah Arndt, Missy Arndt, and Shanni Arndt; one sister, Betty (and Merlin) Schulz of Seattle, WA; one brother, Jerry Jagow of Bloomington; three brothers-in-law, Darwin Wallstrum, Allen Smith, and James Smith; five sisters-in-law, Rita Jagow, Mary Lou Smith, Merrian Thompson, Margaret Keller, Jeannine Sachs; plus many nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Willard and Walter; one sister, Ruby; his parents-in-law, Leonard and Ruth Smith; and four nieces.


He will be greatly missed.


Cemetery Details

Fairview Cemetery
Gorton Avenue NW
Willmar, MN, 56201

Visitation

MAY 7. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Redeemer Lutheran Church

1401 SW 6th Street

Willmar, MN, US, 56201

http://www.redeemerwillmar.org

Celebration of Life

MAY 7. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Redeemer Lutheran Church

1401 SW 6th Street

Willmar, MN, US, 56201

http://www.redeemerwillmar.org

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