William "Bill" Haapoja, 67, died Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at Innovis Hospital, Fargo, ND.

Memorial services will be 2:00 PM, Friday, August 6, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. John Wollenzien officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

William Bill Paul Haapoja was born on December 7, 1942 to Emil M. and Helmi Helen (Parvey) Haapoja in Detroit, MI because his parents moved to Michigan to help with the war efforts in the factory. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. At one year old, he and his family returned to Sarles, North Dakota. He attended country school.

Bill served his country in the US Army from 1960 to 1962. He was stationed in Germany. He returned to North Dakota after his service and worked on the family farm. He then met his wife Vonda Lee Brown and they were united in marriage on September 28, 1963 at Hansboro, ND. They started out their married life in Hansboro, Sarles, and Balta, ND, and Warren, MN. In 1970, they moved to Thief River Falls where Bill has lived ever since. He worked at Bridgemans Creamery (Deans Foods) as a pasteurizer and bottler for many years. He retired in 2003. In his retirement, Bill has been driving patients for Innovis Health in Fargo.

Bill enjoyed playing cards, being at the lake, going to the casino, fantasy football, and spending time with family. He was an avid Minnesota sports team fan, especially his beloved Vikings.

He was a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Vonda Haapoja, Thief River Falls, MN, 4 daughters: Lila (Jim) Noreen, St. Hilaire, MN and their children: Angie and Steph; Patsy (Fiance Todd Garfve) Haapoja, Alpena, SD and their children: Chad, Shawn, and Dillon; Kris (Fiance Craig Gubrud) Haapoja, and their son Tanner, Thief River Falls, MN; Monica (Trevor) Swanson, and their children: Hannah and Connor of Thief River Falls, MN, one great grandson Jackson, two sisters: Marlene Jorgenson, Rugby, ND, Carol McDonald, Langdon, ND, sister in law Estelle Haapoja, St. Charles, MN, and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by an infant son Chad William, his parents, special uncle Charlie Parvey, and brother Kenny Haapoja.

ORGANIST: Phyllis Dalager
SOLOIST: Jeff Liden
SELECTIONS: Here I Am Lord & On Eagles Wings
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: How Great Thou Art & In the Garden
URNBEARER: Tom Williams