William E. Regan, known affectionately as Bill, passed away peacefully at home on January 9th, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on December 21st, 1932 in Rochester, Minnesota, he was the youngest of seven children. His father, Will, passed away before he was born, and Bill and his six siblings were raised by their mother, Agnes and with help from their extended family.
Bill graduated from Le Roy High School in 1950 and graduated with a business degree from the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minn., where he joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and earned his pilot wings in 1954. From 1954 to 1958 he was stationed at the Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA. He married his high school sweetheart, Sally I. Miller, in 1956. Bill purchased the Owatonna Bus Company in 1968, which his family still owns and operates today.
A dedicated family man, devout Catholic, and entrepreneur, Bill spent much of his time in contemplative prayer, visiting with his loving family, or running his bus company. He was a member and daily adorer of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a purveyor of anonymous donations and generous favors. He made 50 consecutive years of silent retreats at the Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House. His legacy will live on through his family and his impact on his community.
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