Funeral services were Thurs., March 27, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Fall. Funeral arrangements were made by Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN.

 

Bill was born May 26, 1925 in Ironwood, MI to William J. and Amanda (Landstrom) McRae. He graduated in 1943 from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood, MI and then attended Gustavus Adolphus College and the University of Minnesota. Bill served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II

in England and Europe. 

 

On Sept. 7, 1948 Bill was united in marriage to Jean B. Hermanson in Ironwood, MI. He was employed by the Dept. of Corrections for 34 years, the last 22 years as the warden of the St. Cloud Correctional Facility.

 

Bill was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, St. Cloud VFW Post #428, Clear Lake American Legion Post #354, Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band of Minneapolis, Oak Hill Golf Club and member and past president of the West Central Wardens Association. He volunteered at Talahi Elementary School, as an usher at Salem Lutheran Church, and for 22 years as a transporter at the St. Cloud Hospital. Bill enjoyed running, golfing, fishing, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren. He also liked bicycling and was a participant in the Tour of Saints. 

 

Survivors include his wife, Jean McRae of Clear Lake; sons, Douglas J. (Mary) McRae of Clearwater; and Scott W. (Marie) McRae of South Dartmouth, MA; six grandchildren, Sara (Douglas) Asbe, Kelsey McRae, Allison McRae, Andrew McRae, Patrick McRae, Anthony McRae; one great granddaughter, Hailey and several nieces and nephew. 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert McRae, and half sister, Lillian Beach. 

 

Memorials are preferred to Salem Lutheran Church.