WILLIAM “BILL” FUERSTENBERG

William ‘Bill’ Fuerstenberg was born on January 28, 1942 in Adrian, Minnesota to Clarence and Teresa (Finke) Fuerstenberg. He grew up in Fulda and graduated from Fulda High School in 1960. Bill served in the US Navy from 1960-1964, and the Reserves until 1966. On December 27, 1965 Bill was united in marriage to Sharon Fury and they raised their four children in Fulda.

He worked at Swift in Worthington when it opened in 1964 and then worked for Interstate Power Company starting in 1966. He retired after 32 years and then did consulting work for Alliant Energy.

Bill passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Memorial Day Monday, May 30, 2022, which was a fitting day for him to pass.

Bill was fortunate to be active in many areas of the community! He was a member of the Fulda Fire Department for 30 years and a charter member of the Fulda Ambulance for 15 years. He also was a member of the Fulda American Legion and St. Gabriel Church and served on many other councils and boards throughout the years including the Fulda City Council, Maple Lawn board and Knights of Columbus.

Bill loved his God, country and family. He was a devout Catholic, said the rosary every day and was an active member of St. Gabriel Church. He was proud to serve in the US Navy and continued to serve his country after his discharge. He loved spending time with his family, traveling to see them often and attending many of his grand kid’s events. He said that he lived a great life and told his children to do the same.

Bill enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, hunting and gardening. He spent many hours in his woodshop making all sorts of treasures. It would be hard to find anyone who either doesn’t have or hasn’t seen one of his works of art. He enjoyed winning at cards (a lot, just ask his children). He had many stories of fun times hunting with his friends and looked forward to the season every year. He worked hard in his vegetable garden every year and shared the rewards of his labor with many.

Bill will be missed by his wife of 56 years, Sharon. He will also be missed by his four children and their spouses, Maria (John) Braun of Arden Hills, MN, Jenny (Jeff) Towne of Garvin, MN, Carrie (Charissa) Fuerstenberg of El Paso, TX, Joseph (Roxanna) Fuerstenberg of Kearny, AZ; fourteen grandchildren, Olivia Fuerstenberg, Johnathon Braun, Henry Braun, Eleanor Braun, Angie (Tom) Eisfeld, Becki (Aaron Witte) Towne, Jared (Vickie) Towne, Dani (Zack Keller) Towne, Daniel Azevedo, Aaron Azevedo, Isaiah Azevedo, James Fuerstenberg, Mary Fuerstenberg, Rachel Fuerstenberg; and five great-grandchildren. His brother, Donald Fuerstenberg of Fulda, MN and Vicki Schildwachter of Snohomish, WA; as well as nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and two infant children, Paula and James.

Funeral services were held at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church Fulda, MN at 10:30 AM on Thursday, June 2, 2022, with Msgr. R. Paul Heiting officiating. Pallbearers were his grandchildren. The organist was Dana Hogan. The song leader was Lloyd Winter. Interment was at St. Gabriel’s Cemetery in Fulda. Military honors provided by the Fulda American Legion Post 318. Totzke Funeral Home of Fulda is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com.