William "Bill" Lonsky

Bill was born 64 years ago to Ben & Bernice Lonsky. He, along with his older sister, Jane, grew up in St. Anthony Village. He was very proud of his Nordeast roots.

He was a Polack through and through. Growing up he was very involved in the Boy Scouts, earning the highest honor as an Eagle Scout. Bill enjoyed playing hockey, baseball and basketball with his buddies. He would go for long bike rides (100 mile Ironman). He grew up hunting and fishing with his dad at the cabin that they built together. Bill was very close to his dad. They did everything together.

Bill met Shelly roller skating with friends and then again dancing. They got married just a couple years later. Shelly was his great love, soul mate and best friend. He would do anything for her. They were the “Purrrfect” pair.

Bill and Shelly had three daughters Sarah, Amy and Bridget. He was so proud to be a daddy. He loved his girls and worried about boys coming around in the future to date his girls. He would tease that he would be cleaning his gun anytime a boy would come over. The girls think the world of him. The BEST dad ever!

Bill adored his three grandbabies. He would run to grab them right away – he wanted to be the first to snuggle them. He enjoyed teaching them all about the outdoors including fishing, 4-wheeling and adventures around the cabin. They were the apple of his eye.

He was a faithful man. God always came first, with family a close second and he considered all his friends’ family.  He loved helping everyone.

Bill lived life to the absolute fullest. Always the life of the party. He loved fishing, hunting, cabin life, camping, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, and anything outdoors. Bill loved talking to everyone. He had the gift of gab, especially if it involved hunting or fishing stories.

Bill was a hard worker and long-time employee of Press Sure Printing, Inc. He enjoyed his work family and the many others that touched his life, including his bowling leagues, trap shooting teams and his hunting buddies. He loved and was loved by many – too many to mention.

Some of his favorite sayings were, “Are we having fun yet”, “Live a little” and everything was “Purrrfect”.

Bill was a kind, funny, gentle man, and everyone’s buddy.

This picture was taken the day Bill gained his angel wings at his favorite place-the cabin, with his favorite person, Shelly, by his side. Bill will be deeply missed and loved always and forever.

Bill was a no-frills outdoorsman. Please wear your outdoor gear to the Visitation in remembrance of Bill. 

Obituary published in the Pioneer Press on November 6, 2022:

William "Bill" Lonsky
Age 64 - Passed away unexpectedly on October 30th.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Bernice. Bill is survived by his wife, Shelly; daughters, Sarah (Al), Amy and Bridget (Steve); 3 grandchildren; sister, Jane (Ralph); and many other family members and friends.
Visitation 4:30-7pm on Wednesday, November 9th at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave. Mass of Christian Burial 11am with visitation beginning at 10am on Thursday, November 10th at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake.