Memorial services for William J. Bigelow, age 84, of Albert Lea, will be held

11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, at the United Methodist Church in Albert Lea. Rev. John Bromeland will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Freeborn County Veteran’s Organizations. Private burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the services at the church. Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. To sign the guest book, goto www.bayviewfuneral.com

William died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004, at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

William John Bigelow was born Dec. 30, 1919, to Newton Lawson and Edna Clarinda (Larson) Bigelow in Albert Lea. He attended schools in Albert Lea, graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1936. After graduation, William worked at various jobs until New Years of 1936 when he began working in the office at Wilson & Co. On Dec. 23, 1941, William was united in marriage to Eleanor Serene Holtan in Little Rock, Ark. He was drafted into the United States Army Sept. 10, 1941, and served in Northern France and Germany before being discharged Nov. 8, 1945. William returned to Wilson & Co. where he became the District Transportation Manager, retiring in April 1983. He was a life long member of the United Methodist Church and had served on many boards and committees. William had been a member of the Albert Lea City Council, Chairman of United Way, board member at the YMCA, member and past president of the Toastmaster’s Club, and a member of the Golden Kiwanis II. He had also been a volunteer for the Meals On The Go program.

William belonged to the VFW and the American Legion. He enjoyed reading and playing bridge and was an accomplished whistler.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor of Albert Lea; daughter, Sherry and her husband Robert Cyza of Richfield; sisters: Doris and her husband Milo Madson of Albert Lea, and Annabelle Hansen of Robbinsdale; brothers: James T. and his wife Doris Bigelow of Austin, and Clare and his wife Elise Bigelow of Tillamook, Ore.; sister-in-law, Elda Bigelow of Bismarck, N.D.; several nieces and nephews; and his buddy, Teddy.

William was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Warren A. Bigelow; and brothers-in-law: Donald Hansen and Larry Holtan.

William was a loving and caring husband, father, brother, and friend.