E. "Bill" Casey

Edward William “Bill” Casey, 82, a resident of Battle Lake, MN (formerly of Fergus Falls) passed away at his home on November 4, 2011. Bill was born August 2, 1929 in Chisholm Minnesota to William and Anna (Anderson) Casey. He was raised in Chisholm along with his two siblings Vivian and Helen. Bill completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth. In August of 1952, Bill reported for active duty in the United States Navy where he served until 1954 and was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon during his service. He was honorably discharged from military service in 1960. In 1954 he received his Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of North Dakota. Bill married Patricia (Casey) Casey on May 12, 1962 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls, Minnesota. They resided in Fergus Falls and raised three sons: Michael, Bill, and Brian. In 1955 Bill began his career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Fergus Falls. In 1965 he was awarded the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation “Counselor of the Year” Award. He developed strategic relationships with the Fergus Falls State Hospital and played a key role in the establishment of the Lake Region Sheltered Workshop which is now known as Productive Alternatives. As a regional supervisor, he provided leadership in the State Hospital Counselors group and served on numerous boards and committees as an advocate for people with developmental disabilities. Upon his retirement Bill and Patricia split their time between their beloved cabin on West Battle Lake and their winter home in Donna, Texas. He was a life member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of the Elks. Preceding him in death is an infant daughter, Maureen Anne; his parents and sisters Vivian and Helen. Survivors include his wife of 49 1/2 years Patricia of Battle Lake; sons: Michael (Sharon) Casey, Brian Casey both of Fergus Falls, Minnesota and Bill Casey of Fargo, ND; a niece Diane Steinbrecher of Portland, Oregon; cousins Marnie (Steve) Gandsey of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and Butch Colmer of Chisholm, Minnesota. Bill is also survived by an extended family of sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, and their families along with numerous lifelong friends who have shared many wonderful adventures over the years. A special thanks to “South Point” neighbors Scott and Marcy Fridlund, Ron and Jackie Weibye, and Dick and Shirley Peterson for all of the help whenever needed over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Church Building Fund at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Battle Lake, Minnesota. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Battle Lake, Minnesota. Clergy: Father Greg Paffel Interment: A private interment will take place at St. Otto Catholic Cemetery in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.