William “Bill” Talley

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Saturday, February 13, 1937
Date of Death:
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Age:
83 years old

Burial

Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]

Notes

A private family funeral Mass will be held for Bill.  Thank you for understanding and your consideration in these times.

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Saturday, February 13, 1937
Date of Death:
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Age:
83 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Saturday, February 13, 1937
Date of Death:
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Age:
83 years old

William “Bill” Talley

William “Bill” Talley, 83, of Rochester, Minnesota died on June 23, 2020 at his daughter Jayme’s home in Eyota, Minnesota. He was receiving in-home hospice care since March of 2020 due to congestive heart failure and kidney disease. He died peacefully surrounded by his family members.

Bill was born on February 13, 1937 to Louise (Erickson) and John Talley of Lakeville, MN. He attended high school in Prior Lake, Minnesota, where he spent most of his childhood living on a family farm. Late in his high school career his family moved to Lakeville, MN where they continue to have roots.

He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Myrna (Paukner) Talley, who died in 1975 of a brain aneurysm; his daughter Jean Talley-Dance, who died in 1996 of a brain aneurysm; two of his siblings Shirley Marek and John Talley; and his parents John and Louise.

He is survived by his wife Marina Kotova of Rochester, MN; children Jayme Hakes (Don) of Eyota, MN, John Talley (Cindy) of Austin, TX, Jill Russell (David) of Brooklyn Center, MN; stepson Oleg Kotov (Stacie) of Brooklyn, NY; grandchildren Tyler, Travis, MacKenzie, Jacob, Sarah, Samantha, Zachary, William, Andrew, Grant, Juliette, and Margot; great grandchildren Lincoln, Murphy, Rhylee and Coralina; sister MaryLou Thomas; and brothers George Talley, and James Talley.

Bill received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN and two Master’s degrees – one in Education from Mankato State University and one in Literacy from Winona State University. Bill was an English and Speech teacher for 35 years at Mayo High School and later at Rochester Community and Technical College. Teaching was a passion of his, and being a long-time resident of Rochester, he often ran into former students whom remembered him fondly.

Bill was an affectionate father and unwavering care provider for his family. He met his loving wife Marina in 1994, while teaching alongside his daughter Jean, at an English Language School in Moscow, Russia. Bill was last a member of Resurrection Catholic Church; however, while raising his children he attended Saint Francis, where he was a lector and CCD teacher for years. Bill was an amazing father, who raised his four children as a widower during the ’70 and ‘80’s, a time when single fathers were unheard of. Then after marrying Marina, he assisted in raising her teenage son Oleg, who became a cherished person in Bill’s life.

There will be a private Funeral Mass for Bill at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester, MN. His burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Condolences

The family of William “Bill” Talley has received the following condolences.

My husband,  Ron, was also a teacher at Mayo and we got to know both your Mom and Dad. In fact, we went old time dancing at the PlaMor a few times. I think of your Mom every year as she passed away on my birthday - June 19. At that time you lived on 4th St SE and for a few weeks I brought your family homemade chocolate chip cookies.  Sorry to read of your Dads recent death. Our deepest sympathy to all your families at this difficult time. Hoping that good memories of the past will comfort you now. 


Sincerely, 


Ron and Judy Felt

I knew Bill from a long time ago.  I also knew some of his children.  Bill and I were friends for several years and over that time, I came to realize what a kind and gentle soul he was.  He was devoted to his family, friends and students.  The world needs more people like Bill and it is encouraging to know that he has passed on his legacy to so many.  My deepest sympathies go out to all of his family and friends.  Though I saw him very rarely in the past 20 or so years, I am very saddened by his passing.  May the twinkle in Bill's eyes shine on all of us who knew him.


Sincerely,


Adrienne Carmichael Dormody

I knew Bill from a long time ago.  I also knew some of his children.  Bill and I were friends for several years and over that time, I came to realize what a kind and gentle soul he was.  He was devoted to his family, friends and students.  The world needs more people like Bill and it is encouraging to know that he has passed on his legacy to so many.  My deepest sympathies go out to all of his family and friends.  Though I saw him very rarely in the past 20 or so years, I am very saddened by his passing.  May the twinkle in Bill's eyes shine on all of us who knew him.


Sincerely,


Adrienne Carmichael Dormody

Bill was a wonderful, kind person. I worked with him in Adult Education at Northrop School. He understood the ESL students so well, and was appreciated by the staff there. My sympathy to all his family. 

I always enjoyed visiting with Bill after Mass to hear his wisdom on life.

We are saddened to hear of Bill's death.  I (Dave) taught with Bill for about 25 years at Mayo High School and knew him as a dedicated teacher and a gentleman.  Our sympathies to Bill's family.


Just a memory about Oleg.  He was one of the finest students I had in 30+ years of teaching.  Greetings to him.


Dave and VJ Anderson

So sorry to hear about your dad. Hugs to you and yours Jaime. You had a great father and have many cherished memories.just wanted you to k own we are thinking of you and wish we could give you a hug in person...with love Ken and Talli


 


 

My condolences to the Talley Family. 


Mr. Talley is my favorite teacher of all time, I learned so much from him.  He taught all 5 kids in our family, including my Dad when he obtained his GED.  A great man that I will miss running into at Silver Lake Foods.  Always a smiling face & remembered that I was the last of the Zempels that he had as a student. 


May he rest in peace and may you all find peace during this difficult time.

We are thinking of your family during this sorrowful time. Although we never met your dad, Jaymie he must have been a great person. He raised an amazing daughter. Hugs to you and Don and God Bless you all.

So sad to hear of our neighbor and friend Bill Talleys passing.  Bill was a kind gentle man and devoted father and teacher.  He will be missed by many.  Our deepest sympathy to the Talley family ...know that we share in your sorrow.


The Pharis Family (Paul, Sharon,Tim, Jodie, and Jill


 


 

I taught with Bill for many years at Mayo Hiqh School. He was the kindest most gentle man I have ever known. Soft spoken and funny, I loved chatting with him in the hall. I will miss him. Love and condolences to his family. 

I am sure you are sharing stories and memories as you miss Bill. He was a caring person, a compassionate teacher, a good friend, and a loving parent. Today, I also am spending time thinking about my memories.  I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was a special person. 

One of the best teachers at Mayo High I ever had

Jill, John and Jayme - I am so sorry about the loss of your sweet, sweet Dad. What a gentle soul he was. I have nothing but fond memories of him from our days in 7th Avenue. Sending love to all of you. -Nicci

So sorry to hear about the death of Bill.  Ironically, Bill came to mind just a day or two ago as I was thinking of those cousins that are left.


Many memories come to mind of a time when we would see each other often as kids growing up.  Bill will be in our thoughts and prayers.


Lastly, please accept our deepest sympathy for the family and its loss.


Wally and Jan 

Bill was a wonderful teacher as I had him as a high school student. He later became a mentor and friend as we taught together at Mayo High School.  We shared conversation and laughter many time after seeing each other in church.  I wish you well as your family makes all of the necessary adjustments to Bill's passing.  He will be missed.


Mark Kieffer

Mr. Talley was one of my favorite teachers at Mayo High School. I ran into him a few years ago and he still remembered me after 30 years. Rest in Peace Mr. Talley. 

Bill was such a good mentor to me when I came to Mayo as a new English teacher. I never saw a day when he didn’t have a smile, a hug and a kind word. He was accepting of all people and an inspiration to many. He was a sweet, dear man. 

I enjoyed working with Bill when he taught at RCTC. He was a kind, gentle soul.


My condolences.


 

Jayme:  I will always remember your dad (and you!!) He was a gentle, kind man.  May your family be at peace. I rarely read the Rochester obituaries but I did today and there he was.  Take care!

We are so sad about Bill's passing. The world lost a truly wonderful person and I know that everyone will miss him deeply. My kids were telling me today how much they loved "Grandpa Bill," and I know that he really loved them too. We wish we could be there with everyone, but will hold you all in our hearts.

I am so sorry for your family.  Jill, if you are going to be in town, I would love to see you.  I miss seeing you.  Please stop by.