Raymond “Bill” Bliss

Raymond “Bill” Bliss, age 80, of Albert Lea, MN passed away on December 13, 2024 at Whispering Oak Place in Ellendale.

Raymond “Bill” Bliss

A memorial service for Bill will be held at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea on Sunday, December 22, 2024, beginning at 2:00 PM; visitation will be held two hours prior. Bill will be laid to rest in Graceland Cemetery.

Bill was born in Rochester, MN on December 4, 1944. He grew up in Austin, graduating from Austin High School in 1963. He was fond of his time wrestling for the school. His adoration of cars also began in high school, where he could often be found spending time with his car club, working on and driving his beloved 1949 Mercury.

After high school Bill moved to Aurora, IL. It was there he took on a job as a painter with Caterpillar. He began his journey as a life-long Jack-of-All-Trades within construction businesses and factories. He was regarded as a workaholic who always had at least two jobs.

From a young age, Bill was always on the go, whether by car, motorcycle, or even horse. He passed his love of cars on to his younger brother Rick as the two would drive about town in his Mercury, cautioning his younger brother not to leave any markings on the interior of his prized automobile. Bill enjoyed taking long motorcycle trips to visit his mother in Texas, even during the frigid winter months. He owned several horses and spent many fond days trail-riding.

In 2000, Bill married Joy (formerly Reding) in St. Cloud, MN. The two met during a bowling tournament in Albert Lea. For their honeymoon, Bill and Joy road motorcycles across the country. Truly they were a perfect match.

Bill was most notably part of the Moose Club, the Scavenger’s Car Club in Albert Lea, and the Cranker’s Car Club out of Austin. He was an avid weight-lifter and won a few ribbons. You could often find Bill at a golf course playing as many as 36 holes in a day.

Bill is survived by his wife Joy Bliss; son Ryan Bliss, brothers Steve (Kathy) Bliss and Rick (Lorelie) Bliss, his nieces and nephews, and his bulldog Pickles.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Bliss and Irene & Spence Morgan; son Jeremy Bliss, sister Connie Aberg, and bulldog Lewie.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Bill, are appreciated.