Willard "Bill" Forest Clay

Willard “Bill” Forest Clay, age 81 passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on May 12, 2023, at the Galeon Community Memorial Home of Osakis, MN.

Bill was born in Osakis, MN to Forest and Inez (Peterson) Clay on August 29,1941. After graduating from Osakis High School, Bill went on to work for Dale Tile Company and Grazzini Brothers until he retired in 2005. Bill enjoyed life outside, syruping, fishing, you would often find him in the woods. He enjoyed his Tuesday early morning coffee with friends, and in the winter months he would always have a puzzle to work on.

Bill is survived by his loving wife: JoAnn; children: Kevin (Christy) Clay of Cape Coral Florida, Pamela (Steven) Hauge of Elgin MN, Denise (Rodney) Peterson of Albert Lea MN, Stephanie (Chuck) Clay of Ely MN, Marcia (Nick) Frank of St. Cloud MN, Kimberly (Scott) Arenson of Roseau MN, Kari Duguay of Long Prairie MN, Kathy (Todd) Torgerson of Long Prairie MN, Darla (Scott) Holmquist of Osakis MN; many grandchildren; great grandchildren; sisters: Susan (Dale) Vosen of Little Falls MN, Sallie Habedank of Waite Park MN; brother: Rex (Judy) Clay of  Long Prairie MN;  brother in law: Ray Kuckenbecker of Rogers MN; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

He was proceeded in death by his parents: Forest and Inez; sister: Nancy Kuckenbecke; brother in law: Lester Habedank; granddaughter: Kelsey Hauge; great granddaughter: Arinnia Brazier; and childhood best friend: Richard Mikkelson

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:00 am at Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Lexy Carson officiating. Visitation will be at Roy Hetland Funeral Home of Osakis on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 5:00- 8:00 pm and for one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be at Salem Cemetery.

Active casket bearers are Seth Berg, Jared Gavle, Cody Duguay, Josh Pelletier, Brian Arenson, and Isaac Frank.

Honorary casket bearers are Gary Mikkelson and The Gideons.

Music by: Fischer Torgerson

A reception will follow at the VFW Post #7902 in Osakis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Salem Lutheran Church or The Gideons of Osakis, MN.