William "Bill" Osborn passed away on December 17, 2024. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and father-in-law, and a cherished brother and brother-in-law. Bill was also a beloved uncle, grandpa, great grandpa, and a loyal friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, family, and a lifelong commitment to education.

Bill was born on Oct. 31, 1937 in Medford, Massachusetts to William and Alice Osborn. He grew up with brother (Ken Osborn) and sister (Marianne Stephens) and remembered fondly their camping/beach weekends. He was the oldest of his many cousins and they refer to "Billy" as their hero.

After graduating from college, he heard the call to go west. He packed one suitcase and drove his green Ford to Minnesota for his first (and only!) job. He worked at 3M for 40 years, forging strong friendships with his co-workers and travelling extensively. He made Minnesota his home and enjoyed boating and water skiing with his friends. He married Mary Novak on August 4,1962, a loving partnership of 62 years. His five children were born in Minnesota (Ann, Patrick, Kelly, Kathleen and Debora). They were the pride and joy of his life.

In 1989 he transferred to Texas with 3M and made a new home again. During this time, his 13 grandchildren were born. He followed their life paths with deep interest, sitting through games for every sport imaginable, performances of every type, and graduations from high school and college. He kept in touch with them via text, phone, and visits (and then Snapchat, Instagram, and Marco Polo!).

After retiring from 3M in 2000, Bill delved into volunteer work with Mary. They volunteered at Samaritan Health Ministries, Caring Place Pantry, Annunciation Maternity Home, Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Santa Rosa Pantry. Bill continued to enjoy traveling and vacations at Surfside Beach with his family. During this time, he also welcomed 6 great-grandchildren to the family.

Bill was a quiet and gentle man, but everyone knew to listen and pay attention when he spoke. He was a life-long learner and student of life. He was liberal with his advice to all his children, and he was a great role model - he led and taught by example.

Friends and relatives will greatly miss Bill, especially his immediate family: Mary, Marianne, Ann, Pat, Jennifer, Kelly, Curt, Kathy, Chris, Debi, Adam, Austin, Maria, Chessa, Tony, Meckenna, Dakota, Elsa, Dalyn, Carter, Sammi, Steph, August, Annamarie, Matthew, Beckett, Caden, Calvin, Anelle, Will, Maryn, Everett, Eden, Ellie and Sloane.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Santa Rosa Catholic Church Pantry at https://srdl-cc.org/donate or to Open Arms in Minnesota https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/OpenArmsofMinnesota/donate.html