Obituary of William Emanuel Overland, Jr.

William "Bill" Emanual Overland Jr., age 89, of Shoreview, MN, peacefully passed away to be with our Heavenly Father on April 23, 2025. He was married for 38 years to his late beloved wife, Catharine Overland, née Bjelland, who passed in 1998. He was the loving father of Christian (Maura) of Madison, WI, Margaret (Bill) Blaine, MN, Peter (Caroyln) Mustang, OK, John (Katie) Wausau, WI, and Karl Minneapolis, MN; Blessed grandfather of Emily Overland, Ashley (Dewayne) Padgett, Jack, Cole, William, Ethan, Alice, Eavan Overland, Tammy Schmidt and great grandchildren Jack, Dean, Luke, Rosemary and Damien; brother-in-law, Rolf (Idelle) Bjelland, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Also survived by former wife, Lynn (Cooper) Overland.

Preceded in death by parents, William Sr. and Zelda (Snively) Overland of Duluth, MN; brothers, Douglas (Etta) Overland and Samuel (Sandra) Overland; wife, Catharine Overland; and son Peter Overland.

Bill was born on 9/21/1935 in Duluth, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and the Merchant Marine. He started his professional life working as a wildlife biologist. Bill and Catharine raised their family in Minneapolis. He retired after 35 years working and contributing to the pharmaceutical industry. He was a lifelong naturalist, a do-it-yourself learner and creator who built a log home with Catharine and their children on Lake Vermilion – his sanctuary, workshop, study, and “Listening Point.” He gave many years of volunteer service to conservation efforts, youth groups, and scouts, including Cubmaster for Pack 110 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. He enjoyed teaching and experiencing fishing, hiking, skiing, canoeing, and blueberry picking.

We will remember him as a loving and sharing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, godfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose joyful spirit will endure through us.

Memorial Service Monday, June 9, at noon, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis (612-926-7651). Memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and contact Jill Anderson (651-259-5358) for assistance.