Willard Charles Robertson

Willard Charles Robertson was born April 20, 1930, in Danvers, Minnesota, to Anthony and Frances (Matheisen) Robertson. He passed away December 3, 2017, in Placentia, California, at the age of 87.

Bill, as he was known, grew up in Minnesota and attended St. Peters Catholic Church and grade school in Park Rapids. He graduated in 1948 from Park Rapids High School where he and his brother, Donnie, played on their championship high school football team. Bill also played basketball and ran track.

After graduation, Bill attended Bemidji State University where he played football for the Beavers. He was named an all-state tackle while on the squad. His college career and studies were interrupted for a call to duty by the Minnesota National Guard to go serve in the Army at camp Rucker in Alabama. Their unit was specialized to train the troops for the Korean Conflict. He earned a rank of Sergeant and played football there.

Following an honorable discharge from the Army, Bill happily returned to his studies at B.S.U. where he earned a B.S. degree. A fellowship to the University of Illinois was offered to him, and there he earned a masters degree.

Bill met and fell in love with his sweetheart, Lois Neff, of Crookston, Minnesota. They were married in Park Rapids, Minnesota, and moved to Montrose, Colorado where Bill began his career. He was a football coach and a teacher of History and English. There was opportunity out West, so they moved to California, finally settling in La Mirada where they raised their three sons. Both taught in Whittier; however, Bill spent most of his teaching career in Downey, California.

Bill was recruited by a financial services firm where he got his insurance and securities licenses. He served as a financial advisor, most often to other teachers.

After an early retirement from teaching, Bill and Lois travelled all over the world. (Russia, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Australia, Tahiti and New Zealand to name a few.)

He cherished his time with his sons and grandchildren, lived a full life and is loved deeply and forever more.

Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lois; his sons, Timothy (Louise), Mark (Patricia), and Daniel (Joanna); and grandchildren, Nicole, Brian, Paul, Isabella, Lily and Ever Rose. His parents, Anthony and Frances Robertson, and his siblings, Chester, Clarence, Irene, Blanche, Donald and Delores, preceded him in death.

Mass will begin at 10:30am on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at Beatitudes of Our Lord Church, 13013 Santa Gertrudes Avenue, La Mirada, California. Those wishing to view may arrive at 10am. Interment will follow Mass at Olive Lawn Memorial Park, also in La Mirada.