William Wirtanen

William L. “Bill” Wirtanen

William L. “Bill” Wirtanen, 80, Hibbing died Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN. He was born on October 5, 1934 to William O. and Irja (Hautala) in Clinton Township. Bill began his career as a teacher and coach at Gilbert High School in 1957, prior to his educational career at Mesabi Community College from 1966 to 1998. While teaching, coaching and serving as the Athletic Director at Mesabi, Bill also served in the National Junior College Athletic Association for 28 years, culminating with being elected President of that organization in 1996. Bill also served on the Board of Directors of USA Wrestling, USA Basketball and the United States Olympic Committee, as well as being a United States staff member for the World University Games for many years.

Bill was inducted into Bemidji State University Athletic Hall of Fame, the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, the Minnesota Community College Athletic Hall of Fame, and was an inaugural member of the Mesabi Range College Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2001 the Mesabi Range College honored his dedication and service by dedicating the gymnasium in his name.

In addition to his numerous professional successes and accolades, Bill’s real achievements and true legacy are the countless lives he touched throughout his many years as an educator. But most importantly, he was a loving, caring, generous, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be truly missed by all of those who had the good fortune to have known him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joan, sons, Mark (JoDee) Wirtanen, Scott Wirtanen, daughter, Jill Wirtanen, brothers, Don (Sonja) Wirtanen, and Michael (Linda) Wirtanen, five grandchildren, Kari (Greg) Hearn, Jon (Adrienne) Wirtanen, Kelsey, Courtney, and Kailey Wirtanen, two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Karlee Hearn, and additional nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for Bill will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing. The Rev. Fr. Frank Perkovich will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at the funeral home from 11:00am until 11:50am, before processing to the church for the funeral Mass. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Virginia, MN. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to either the William Wirtanen Scholarship Fund-Mesabi Range College, or the Solvay Hospice House, 801 Baylis Street, Duluth, MN, 55811.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at www.doughertyofhibbing.com