Harold "Bill" O. Astry

Bill Astry, age 73, of Iron, MN passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, November 25, 2024. He was born February 3,1951 to William and Harriet (Oustad) Astry in Bigfork MN. He was born the oldest of four children. He grew up in Effie Mn and attended and graduated high school from Bigfork in 1969.

Bill was known to say he lost a coin toss when he and a friend “flipped for the red head” at Deer Lake Charlies. However, he always said he never lost the coin toss since he instead won the love of his life Diane, whom he married October 5,1974. They happily celebrated 50 years of marriage last month. He and Diane lived in Cherry for a few years after being married, before moving to Buhl, Mn for several years, until settling back in Cherry in1988.

 Bill served on the Cherry volunteer fire department from 1976-1979. He retired from US steel Minntac in 2013 where he had worked as a millwright for 37 years.

He and Diane spent many years curling at the Buhl curling club and Bill continued to curl in Hibbing and Chisholm. If someone drove by his house and honked the horn, they would get a big wave from Bill as he could often be found working in his garage or yard. Bill enjoyed fishing and hunting; but mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends around the campfire.

 He was always there to help his family or friends whenever they needed a hand with something. His belly laughs and bear hugs were given freely and will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Astry; children, Michelle (John) Engbretson, and Joshua (Erinn) Astry; siblings, James (Julie) Astry and Lynn Dobson; grandchildren, Kyle (Sam Twa) Pucely, Breena (Riley) Kolquist, and Abby (Joshua Wilson) Taylor; great-grandchildren, Letty and Solvi Kolquist and Bria Wilson; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. 

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Sandra Thompson. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.