William Alan “Bill” Owens, age 79, of River Falls, long-time resident of Star Prairie, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023 at the River Falls Area Hospital. Bill was born on Nov. 19, 1943 the son of Donald and Mary June (Harris) Owens in River Falls. He graduated from River Falls High School and went on to serve his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Bill was stationed in Japan and received the Navy’s Good Conduct Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam).
Bill worked 30+ years for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, Arizona and Bozeman, Mont. He proudly served with the Civil Reserve Air Fleet from Aug. 18, 1990 until March 13, 1991 during Operation Desert Storm. In retirement, he enjoyed horseback riding, four-wheeling, hunting and fishing. He also took annual trips to Montana and to Patriots Point in Charleston, SC to tour the Naval and Maritime Museum.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Mary June Owens; sisters, Merry Nelson and Donna Wilcoxson. He is survived by his siblings, Wilma Smith, Judy (Marvin) Nielsen, Joy (John) Reis, and Rita Griffey; as well as 17 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E. Division St., River Falls) followed by military honors provided by American Legion Post #121 of River Falls. The interment will be in Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Spooner at 11 a.m. Monday, April 17, 2023. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
