William L. McReavy

William L. “Bill Sr.” McReavy, 92, of Minneapolis, spent Christmas in Heaven after passing peacefully at home on Dec. 23, 2024.

Bill was born in Minneapolis on April 16, 1932. At birth, the doctor pronounced him dead, and his aunt Marion, a nurse, took him to the back room and gave him a shot in his heart that gave him life. He is the third generation and former chief executive officer of Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald R. and Lillian C. McReavy; his sister, Florian; and other loved ones. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Kathleen “Kay” B.; son Don (Karen) of Colorado; daughters Cyndi McReavy-Seitz of Minneapolis and Sandie (Tim) Shaughnessy of North Carolina; son William W. “Bill Jr.” of Minneapolis; 11 grandsons; 20 great-grandchildren; and sisters Arlene Albers and Roxanne Shun, both of Minneapolis.

Bill graduated from Marshall High School in 1950 and earned a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota in 1952. A true entrepreneur, he built one of the nation’s finest funeral organizations. Starting with a small chapel in southeast Minneapolis, he expanded the business to 17 chapels and four cemeteries serving the Twin Cities metro area.

Bill served as president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association in 1970. He also served on several boards, including Third Northwestern Bank and Central Avenue Bank, and was a trustee on the board of North Memorial Medical Center for 16 years.

Bill and Kay were passionate supporters of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. They were strong philanthropic supporters of the University of Minnesota, particularly the men’s football, basketball, and hockey programs, as well as the women’s basketball and hockey programs. Bill was a member of Arcana Masonic Lodge, Zuhrah Temple of the Shrine, and the Northeast Kiwanis Club. He also served as past president of the Zuhrah Patrol, chief masquer of Zuhrah, and past president of the Northeast Shrine Club.

Bill and Kay met at the University of Minnesota and were married on June 11, 1954. They shared a strong marriage, dedicating many years to the family business while also enjoying family time on Sanibel Island. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family and many friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis, with visitation one hour prior. A live webcast or recorded service can be viewed at Washburn-McReavy.com.

Two nights of visitation are scheduled: Monday, Jan. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel, 2610 19th Ave. NE, Minneapolis; and Tuesday, Jan. 7, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th St., Edina. Interment will take place at Lakewood Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be directed to the University of Minnesota Foundation, Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, the McReavy Family Charitable Foundation, or the Woman’s Club of Minneapolis. For more information, visit Washburn-McReavy.com or contact the Edina Chapel at 952-920-3996.