William “Bill” Dean Spooner-Blais, of International Falls, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021 at Rainy Lake Medical Center.

He was born on September 20, 1927 in Fosston, MN to parents, Edward and Marie (Eslinger) Spooner and later raised by Julian and Marie Blais.

Bill grew up in Jameson Addition and attended local schools in International Falls until he entered the Merchant Marines at the age of 16.

He was united in marriage to the love of his live, Marvel Elaine Berryman on November 27, 1948.

He worked for the MD&W Railroad “all the live long day.” He enjoyed farming at his hunting shack on the Rat Root River. He and Marvel enjoyed golfing together until he lost the ability to see the ball. Other favorite past times included hunting, camping, fishing, gardening, golfing, and watching his children and grandchildren play hockey. His greatest enjoyment was watching/listening to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s sporting events. Bill was known and remembered for his vivid storytelling. Bill always had a story no matter what the topic. His laugh would fill any room with joy. He loved to make others laugh with his “truths.”

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marvel; parents; great-granddaughter, Phiffer Hunter; daughter-in-law, Wendy Gerlach Blais (Dean); brother and best friend, Lowell Blais; brothers, Ronald Blais, Clifford Eslinger; sisters, Geraldine Martin and Jeanine Trompeter.

Bill is survived by his sons, Dan (Diane) Blais of International Falls, Dean (Jackie) Blais of Mesa, AZ., Dennis “Skip” (Theresa) Blais of Cloquet, MN; daughters, Nancy (Greg) Hunter of Frederick, CO, Jeanne (Bill) Corrin of International Falls; thirteen grandchildren, Rusty (Melinda) Blais, Jamie (Chris) Thostenson, Holly (Josh) Skime, Ben (Angie) Blais, Sarah (Mike) Otremba, Mary (Rick) Fritz, Kristi (Jamie) Jorgenson, Kelsey Blais, Blais (Bethany) Hunter, Blair (Sean McGee) Hunter, Brittany (Joe) Klatt, Ladd (Lucy) Corrin, Willie (Emily) Corrin; twenty-five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and his sister, Diane (Jerry) Hassinger.

A Eucharistic mass will be conducted at St. Thomas Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a “golden brown” pancake breakfast in his honor.

Memorials would be preferred to the Salvation Army, Falls Education Foundation, Fisher House Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Bill’s memory.

Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com

Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.