William Jon Bair

William “Bill” Jon Bair passed away peacefully at his home in Albert Lea, MN on May 13, 2025, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of wit, wisdom, and unapologetic honesty.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Freeborn American Legion, 202 5th Avenue Freeborn, Minnesota.

Bill was born on January 16, 1942, to Harold “Bud” & Rosalind Bair (Laffey) in Mankato, Minnesota. Bill grew up in Minnesota Lake, Minnesota where his parents owned the Bair’s Den Pool Hall. He attended Minnesota Lake High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and football, being the first person from MLHS to be selected All-State in football.

He enjoyed fishing, camping, and playing bingo. He worked at Kay Corporation, EF Johnsons, Northland Beverages, but most of his life he was a truck driver working for local farmers or over the road.

Known for his sharp sarcasm and quick comebacks, Bill had an unmatched ability to make people laugh – whether they were ready or not. He never hesitated to speak his mind, and his raw, straightforward nature was part of what made him so memorable. He was someone who left a lasting impression, made ordinary moments unforgettable, and didn’t take life too seriously.

Bill married Nancy Johannsen in 1963 and to this union there were three children, Melissa, Rhonda, and Brett Bair. They later divorced and he married Judith Barrows in 1978, and to this union there were two sons, Zachary and Jared Bair. His love and pride for his kids were strong and steady, even if not expressed often, but expressed in his own unique, often humorous way.

He was also grateful for the meaningful companionship of Beth Kenyon and her two children, Carrie and Adam, whose presence brought joy and comfort in his later years.

He will be deeply missed by his longtime companion, Beth Kenyon; his children: Melissa (Kenny) Britzius, Rhonda (Mike) Heilmann, Brett (Teresa) Bair, Zachary Bair, Jared (Bobbie Attig) Bair; Beth’s children: Carrie (Daniel) Uttecht and Adam (Tori) Westeren; brother: Craig (Ardis) Bair; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and cousins.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jon and Curtis (no doubt already reunited with them, playing cribbage, sharing stories and laughs), grandson, William Bair, and great grandson Baden Christenson.

Bill was one of a kind – honest, funny, bold, and entirely unforgettable.