William “Bill” Ivory, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, godfather, friend, and colleague, passed away on October 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable life.

Bill’s kindness, generosity, and willingness to help was as quick as his smile and jovial nature. He kept his faith, family and friends as the focus of his life, weaving in music, sports, and cheer to try to make everyone’s life just a little happier. He was engaging and genuine and had a way of making everyone his friend.

He was the oldest of 7 and took his role as big brother and later family patriarch very seriously. From an early age, Bill embraced the responsibility of caring for his family, supporting them through illness and honoring his father’s wish that he always look after them.

Bill married the love of his life, and together they raised two daughters, surrounding them with unwavering love and support throughout their lives. He took tremendous pride in his eight grandchildren and never needed much prompting to share a story about them.

He loved his Irish heritage, St. Paul, and Como Park. He always rooted for his alma maters: St. Andrew’s grade school, St. Agnes High School, and St. Thomas College. In school he played hockey, football, was in the chorus, was lead tenor in a quartet called the “Synonyms,” and was lead in the Senior class play, “Mississippi Melody,” playing Tom Sawyer. He loved watching the Twins, Vikings, Gophers, Tommies, Notre Dame, and whatever sport his grandchildren played.

Bill was able to join his passion for sports with his first job at the Catholic Athletic Association (CAA). This launched him into umpiring grade school, high school, and college baseball, softball, football, and basketball for 50 years. He was chosen to referee several state tournaments, baseball and football games at the U of M, and umpire for the American League in 1979 – but his favorite games were when he was partnered with his grandson Charlie.

He enlisted in the Minnesota Air National Guard in 1954 and was activated into the U.S. Air Force in 1960. Even Uncle Sam saw his love of all things sports and eventually assigned him to Personnel Services to run the base recreation and physical training programs for some 2200 troops until he was honorably discharged in 1962.

Bill was a sales agent for Allstate for 30 years. He was selected as “Agent of the Year” for MN, WI, ND, and SD in 1991 and earned Agent Honor Ring Circle 17 times, National Conference of Champions 8 times, and awarded almost a dozen sales achievement trips. After retiring from Allstate, Bill was a sales rep and realtor for Edina Realty.

He was a skilled bowler and enjoyed being part of the Marty O’Neill Celebrity Classic Bowling league where he engaged with local sports media and Twins legends, including Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Gene Larkin, Tony Oliva, Bert Blyleven, Tim Launder, and many others. Bill was an avid golfer with a strong drive off the tee and a finesse around and on the green that was hard to match. Bill and Kitty were members of Indian Hills Golf Club for over 25 years and treasured the time they spent with friends on the links. Bill was an amazing, self-taught piano player who could play just about any song he heard and get any party started and the crowd singing along.

Bill is survived by his loving daughters, Bridget (Tim) Corbett and Megan (Tom) Carr; cherished grandchildren, Charlie, Will, Annie (Nick), Katie (Jackson), Liam, Desmond, Tommy, and Finn; one great-granddaughter, Noelle; brother, Jack (Zona); sisters, Nora and Margaret (Barrett); sisters-in-law, Eileen and Roie Ivory; many godchildren and nieces and nephews, and countless friends and extended family members who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, John and Helyn (Curley) Ivory; his brothers, Dan and Fran; sister, Eileen; and many cherished family members and friends who welcomed him home.

Bill’s legacy lives on in the family he cared for so deeply, the friends he valued and enjoyed, the city and sports teams he supported through thick and thin, and the laughter he spread throughout his life. He will be remembered for his faith in God and country, devotion to family and friends, strength of character, volunteerism and charity, optimistic attitude, and the good and terrible jokes he always shared to make everyone smile. May we all seek to pass on his positivity and generosity to others in his memory.

Memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to the Catholic Athletic Association or St. Jude Children's Hospital.