William "Billy" Hoffer Aitkin

William "Billy" Hoffer Aitkin, ("Ishpiming Makwa", In the Sky Bear), age 40, of Minneapolis, passed away Monday morning, August 21, at Hennepin County Medical Center.  Private services will be held with interment at Ebenezer Lutheran Cemetery near Kandiyohi.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Billy was born on March 28, 1983, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Robert and LeeAnn (Hoffer) Aitkin.  He grew up in Shoreview, graduated from Mounds View High School in 2001 and then attended St. Cloud State University.  He was recently employed as a security guard.  Billy had a huge heart who loved animals and helping people in times of need.  He was an avid sports fan of baseball, football, hockey, lacrosse and golf.  He also enjoyed playing poker and blackjack and was very proud of his Native American heritage belonging to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

He is survived by his mother, LeeAnn (and Craig) Gorans of Spicer; two brothers, Michael (and Carla) Aitkin of Bemidji and Daniel (and Alyssa) Aitkin of White Bear Lake; besides many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert.