William "Bill" Gay

William H. “Bill” Gay, age 84 of Grey Eagle, formerly of Bemidji, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at his home in Grey Eagle, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

William Herman Gay was born September 27, 1936 in Lima, Ohio to George and Luetta (Zimmermann) Gay. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 25, 1954 and was honorably discharged on October 21, 1958. He was united in marriage to Genevieve Kuhlmann on September 30, 2006 at the Assembly of God Church in Bemidji, Minnesota.  Bill worked as a locksmith in Bemidji for 17 years and also worked at the prison in Bemidji as a guard.  He enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, watching old westerns on TV, and loved going to the casino.

Survivors include his wife, Genevieve “Gen” Kuhlmann-Gay of Grey Eagle; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Baker and Elsie Walters; and brothers, Jerry Gay and Will Gay.

Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Gay; son, Timothy who was adopted at age one; sister, Clara Ridgon; and brothers, Everett Gay and Gerald Gay.