William K. Kleinschmidt

William K. Kleinschmidt, 69 year old resident of Brainerd, MN passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Jenkins, MN. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN. Burial will take place in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Brainerd, MN. A visitation will be held from 4-7 P.M. on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Halvorson-Taylor Funeral Home in Brainerd, MN and from 10-11 A.M. on Friday at Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN. Caring for William and his family is the Halvorson-Taylor Funeral Home in Brainerd, MN.

William was born on June 11, 1955, in Brainerd to the late Karl and Luella (Huseman) Kleinschmidt. Bill grew up near South Long Lake and graduated from Brainerd High School. He began his working life at Potlatch, where he was employed as a millwright for over 28 years. Bill later joined Thelen Heating and Cooling as a sheet metal worker, retiring in 2020. On June 7, 1980, he was united in marriage to Jan Udseth at First Lutheran Church in Pine River, Minnesota. Though he had a long career in the trades, Bill was a farmer at heart. He loved working in his garden and was known for the abundance it produced—much of which he generously shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Bill, though tough at times, he also had a kind and giving spirit; wherever he went, he showed up with something in his hands or with a willingness to help. He never said no to anyone in need. An avid outdoorsman, Bill cherished his time at the hunting shack and looked forward to fishing trips with friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball in various local leagues. He was a man of deep faith and a dedicated member of Zion Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He took great pride in his family and loved spending time with his wife, children, and especially his two granddaughters. Bill was also a father figure to many people who didn't have a father or their father had passed away. He was always tinkering, Bill could often be found in his shop working on one of his many projects. He will be remembered for his warm heart, his helping hands, and the love he shared so freely.

He is survived by wife, Jan Kleinschmidt; children, Andrea Heldt and Adam Kleinschmidt; granddaughters, Luella Heldt and Tressa Kleinschmidt; sisters, Lois (Jim) Hoppes, Karen (Tom) Sparks, Mary Wnuk; brother-in-law, Walter Reier and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by parents, Karl and Luella Kleinschmidt; sister, Jo Reier.