William “Bill” Fitzgerald
Friday, May 31, 1935
Date of Death:
Monday, April 14, 2025
Age:
89 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday May 16, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Saturday May 17, 2025
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Saturday May 17, 2025
Time: 10:30 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Friday, May 31, 1935
Date of Death:
Monday, April 14, 2025
Age:
89 years old
Friday, May 31, 1935
Date of Death:
Monday, April 14, 2025
Age:
89 years old
William “Bill” Fitzgerald
William Ambrose Fitzgerald, 89 of Rochester, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side, on April 14, 2025 at his residence.
William was born on May 31, 1935 in Minneapolis, MN to J. Raymond and Alice Fitzgerald. He attended DeLaSalle High School, graduating in 1953. He then attended the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1958 with a Civil Engineering degree. He moved to Rochester in 1962 and became half-owner of Rochester Sand and Gravel Inc., North Star Asphalt, and Wilmar Investments with his best friend and business partner of over 50 years, Mark J. Hindermann. Bill married Patricia D. Schwartz on April 4, 1964 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester.
Bill was a longtime member of Knights of Columbus, Serra Club, Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers, president of Rochester Golf and Country Club, Toastmasters, and Lourdes Foundation, served on the St. Marys Hospital Board, Bear Creek Development Board, Rochester City Charter Commission, and RCTC Foundation.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia, his children Thomas (Jennifer) of Rochester, Michael (Melissa) of Stillwater, MN, grandchildren Mia, Erin, Jack, Bobby, Ellie, Kate, his sister Carol of Greenville, SC, and brother Michael of West St. Paul, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers Thomas, James, and Terrence.
The Funeral Mass for Bill will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:30 am at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester. Visitation will be held Friday evening, May 16, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home along with one hour prior to the Mass at church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to DeLaSalle High School, Lourdes Foundation, or St. Jude Foundation.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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Condolences
The family of William “Bill” Fitzgerald has received the following condolences.
His son, Mike is one of my best friends and I have so many great memories of “Mr. Fitzgerald”. He was a man of few words but incredible wit and the lasting impression he left upon me is he was a wise and sharp man that didn’t mess around. I am sad to hear of his passing but what a great, long life he lived. My heart goes out with great love to his family and wife and especially my friend, Mike and his Melissa, their girls and to the great Fitzgerald legacy Bill has left in his wake.
All my love,
Drew McDonald
Patty, Tom and Mike
Our families have been “family” since I was born and Bill was a loved and respected father figure to me. I lam blessed to be one of his girls and will use that as strength to get through this loss. I like to picture Bill, Dad and Mike having a party up above!
Love you all and all the family,
Tricia
Bill was a shrewd, savvy, and successful businessman; all the while being a bettter person to everyone in his path. Godspeed Bill, on your Highway to Heaven.
Pat, I saw the notice of Bill's death in today's Minneapolis paper and wanted you to know my thoughts are with you. Have many happy memories of time spent together all those years ago in Rochester.
Nedra
Patricia & Family: i write with sadness upon seeing the news of Bill’s death. I hold fond memories of getting to know Bill through organization of gatherings in both Naples and Rochester in support of DeLaSalle High School and its students. Bill’s leadership was significant not only with the Class of ‘53, yet further by his efforts to grow our Florida event to record levels. His impact on generations of Islander students grew exponentially over the years, and will live on forever. For that and his friendship, I am so grateful. Draw strength in your faith, family, and friends.
Dave Thorson, former VP of DeLaSalle HS
Sending our love and condolences to all of you. May the lord give you strength and comfort through this difficult time. Sending Love and hugs to all the Fitzgerald Family. Bill always meant so much to our family, he will be greatly missed
To the Fitzgerald family,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of long time friend, customer and neighbor Bill. So many memories that started with selling Rochester Sand & Gravel used Mack Trucks back in 1974. I will never forget Bill walking thru a group of 20 or 30 identical fleet trucks in St. Paul. Bill looked like an expert and quickly picked out five trucks, as if he had a keen appraisal and knew used trucks and their residual values. He was so serious about which trucks he wanted and I asked him how he picked these five so quickly. His response from an expert that Bill was, “these five have the nicest bumpers!” We both busted out laughing as he made his comment. The used Mack Trucks did a great job, after the got a “DuPont overhaul” (new yellow paint). We had many memories in business and a few on the golf course. Rest in peace, Bill. Your family has our deepest sympathies.