William R. Trebesch, age 82 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, died on October 12, 2023, at Divine Providence Community Home in Sleepy Eye. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel and will continue on Monday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye and will be livestreamed at www.stjohnsse.com/page/live-
William Ray Trebesch, the son of Theodore and Lena (Alt) Trebesch, was born on December 25, 1940, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. He attended school and graduated from Sleepy Eye Public School. In 1960, William decided to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army Reserves where he served for six years. On August 8, 1970, William married the love of his life, Joan (Schiller) Ross and together, they raised six children on the Trebesch farmstead. They enjoyed 37 years together when Joni died in 2007. Steadfast in his faith, William was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Servicemen’s Club in Sleepy Eye.
William raised his family on the same farm he was raised on and was proud to share with his sons, Chad and Brett. Farming is what he knew and, more importantly, what he loved to do. He raised hogs along with corn and soybeans. Harvest was his favorite time of year. “If it ain’t red, keep it in the shed” has become William’s legacy for those following in his footsteps. When he wasn’t farming, he worked at Del Monte in the Seed Shack. In his free time, William was always ready for a card game whether it was 31, Garbage, or Cribbage which he patiently taught many how to play. He loved listening to old time music, especially his friend, Larry Olsen, who plays the concertina. Hunting, fishing, and watching deer at his cabin up north, surrounded by family and good friends, brought him much joy. Family meant everything to William; “Dad” and “Grandpa” were titles he was most proud of. He was present for absolutely everything involving his children and grandchildren, no matter how big or small. His unwavering support, wisdom, and love will be incredibly missed.
William is survived by his children, Jeff Ross of Sauk Centre, MN, Chad (Laura) Trebesch of Sleepy Eye, MN, Kelly (Dale) Sellner, Sleepy Eye, MN, Brett Trebesch (Tammy Ellanson) of Sleepy Eye, MN, and Jody (Scott) Wills of Nicollet, MN; son-in-law, Patrick Poston of White Bear Lake, MN; grandchildren, Jonathan Nilan (special friend Danielle), Kasey (Dan) Ross, Ethan (Nicole) Ross, Jacob (Shelby) Trebesch, Lane Trebesch, Jordan Burden, Tanner Burden, Spencer Burden, Caleb Trebesch, Tucker Wills, and Jocelyn Wills; granddaughter-in-law, Justine Trebesch; great-grandchildren, Chance Nilan, Hannah Hunter, Olivia Trebesch, Brooke Trebesch, and Gigi Trebesch; brother, Paul (Sue) Trebesch of Sleepy Eye, MN; brothers-in-law, Chuck Krzmarzick of Sleepy Eye, MN and Ron Larrabee of Farmington, NM; and other loving relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Lena Trebesch; wife, Joan Trebesch; daughter, Jacqueline Poston; grandson, Austin Trebesch; brothers, Harold Trebesch and John Trebesch; and sisters, Laurel Bielke, Illa Mae Harmening, Delores Romberg, Eva Larrabee, Karen Pyan, and Wilma Krzmarzick.
