William Havnen

Havnen, William C., age 66, of Vadnais Heights, passed away peacefully January 23rd surrounded by friends and family after a ten year battle with multiple myeloma. Preceded in death by his father, William R. Havnen, his brother, Thomas Havnen and his granddaughter, Grace Strand. Bill grew up in Bloomington until he served in the Air Force where he was stationed at Hanscom AFB near Boston. He worked in Information Technology for K-tel, B Dalton Books, Bemis Company, ING and IBM. He worked hard and played equally hard. His passion was sports, he played tennis and baseball in school, coached his children and grandson, played racquetball, bowled with the same friends for decades and enthusiastically followed the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers. He lived for years in other states and traveled the country but always called Minnesota home. Bill loved life and never complained about his disease, when the doctor said his cancer was eating 30% of his calories he ate more chocolate. He shared his wit and dry humor with everyone he met, the world lost a good man who will be kept alive in our memories. He is survived by his mother, Shirley Erikstrup (Erik); his wife, Judy; son, Brian; daughter, Holly; stepdaughters, Kristen (Brent), Melanie; grandchildren, Cole, Maks, Trent. Also survived by in-laws Kathy (George), Mark (Vicky), Sharon (Dan), Mary (Terry); stepbrothers, Don (Phyllis), Erik (Pat), David (Shelley), Dan (Mary), Kirk (Tammy); nieces and nephews; many friends including childhood friend John Doran and fellow Norwegian Ron Lohn. A gathering of friends and family will take place at Bradshaw - North Suburbs, 4600 Greenhaven Dr. (one mile west of 35E), White Bear on Wednesday, January 28th 4-7 pm. Interment at Ft. Snelling on Thursday, January 29th 10:15 am. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Our Lady of Peace Home who made the last few days of Bill's life comfortable. To honor his spirit, plant a tree or simply say howdy to a stranger walking by.