Dear Class of 1964:

This is a Deacon Alert to inform you of the passing of your classmate, William "Bill" Daniel Arzdorf on Wednesday, Oct. 8th.

Obituary:

William “Bill” Daniel Arzdorf

Ham Lake, MN - It is with deep love and sadness that we announce William “Bill” Arzdorf, 80, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, surrounded by family who are still trying to figure out what to do with all the stacks and trailers of lumber he left behind.

Born April 10, 1945, in Fargo, ND the fourth of six siblings to Jerome and Eva Arzdorf. Bill enjoyed a memorable childhood in Moorhead, MN before serving proudly in the U.S. Air Force as a Staff Sergeant and jet mechanic during the Vietnam War. Stationed at Misawa Air Base in Aomori, Japan, he met and married Sachiko, his wife of 55 years, who patiently supported his love of scattered newspapers, feeding squirrels, starting new projects, and an ever-expanding tool collection. Together, they proudly raised two children, Sheila and Steven, first in Fridley before Bill built their family home in Ham Lake.

In 1982, Bill founded S&B Geothermal long before “going green” was even a thing. An entrepreneur at heart, he poured himself into his business and never truly retired. He had a passion for his work and a deep loyalty to the employees who helped him build it, caring for them like family right up until the moment he passed. Even in later years, he was still known to call up old customers just to “shoot the breeze” and spend time with his longtime employees, sharing stories, laughs, and memories.

One of his greatest joys was being “Oji” to his four grandchildren. Brady, Brielle, Jack, and Anna, who were the pride of his life. He loved sharing his stories with them, especially tales from his time in the U.S. Air Force and his adventurous summers in Faith, SD. He poured his heart into guiding and nurturing them to be honest, tolerant, educated, and independent adults. This past summer, he especially cherished a memorable family reunion in South Dakota, filled with laughter, stories, and memories that will be treasured forever.

Bill loved the simple things: making sawdust in the garage, spending time at the cabin, keeping the bird feeders full, and posting on Facebook just to keep everyone guessing. Good popcorn, mints, Old Dutch chips, Coke, strawberry Twizzlers, and cherry pie were his favorites. He never went a day without making a few phone calls checking in on family and friends, swapping stories, or spreading a little laughter. He always put others first-family, friends, church, employees, and even the neighbors’ chickens.

Above all, Bill was a “Master of Many”, a master of conversation, generosity, bartering, problem-solving, and making people feel at home. A natural-born mechanical engineer that could fix almost anything, and if he couldn’t, then he’d leave it unfixable.

A lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and a proud veteran, Bill enjoyed the past few years volunteering his mornings alongside a good neighbor, collecting day-old baked goods for the VFW. A mission he carried out with dedication and plenty of taste-testing.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Eva, and his brother Eugene. Survived by his wife Sachiko; children Sheila (John) Schnarr and Steven (Stacey) Arzdorf; grandchildren Brady, Brielle, Jack, and Anna; siblings Jerry Pat, Mary Jane, “Bobby Joe", Maggie; and more friends, neighbors, and confused bank clerks who will miss him dearly.

In Bill’s honor, call up an old friend, start a project you’ll never finish, enjoy some popcorn and a cold Coke—just the way he would’ve wanted. Remember him with a smile and a few of his favorite sayings: Keep it out of the ditch, Green side up, Shut ’er down, by golly, That’s the way it is, and his final words Hail Mary.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, October 17, 2025 (19921 Nightingale St. NW, Oak Grove, MN). Visitation at 10:00 AM, service at 11:00 AM, with luncheon and celebration to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's honor may be made to the Children’s Heart Foundation https://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/

Bill’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who shared their love and support during his life. Bill's light, love, and kindness will continue to inspire us all.