William Arnold “Bill” Estrem, 67, passed away Saturday, February 29, 2020, in Naples, Florida. Bill will be forever remembered by his wife, Cary Estrem, son Colin (Kitsi) Estrem, daughter Merrill (Teddy) Swanson, granddaughters Lola (11), Stella (7), Lillian (9), Rayna (7) and Serene (1), sister Randi (Jack) Krantz, brother Dana Estrem, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Estrem and Ann Estrem, his sister Sandi Greenwood, his brother David Estrem.
Bill was born on June 20, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL. He dropped out of high school and got his GED before his classmates graduated. He served in the Navy from 1969 to 1973. He then proceeded to get his bachelors and masters degrees in Industrial Technology and finally a PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois. Bill taught high school in Farmer City, IL. He taught Industrial Technology at Illinois State University in Normal and at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Bill then worked for 3M as an Information Technology Architect. He became an endowed chair at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. He later developed his own company, Metaplexity Associates, which provided Enterprise Architecture services to its clients around the world. He retired in 2019. His greatest joys were his family, travel and love of music. He had a zest for life.
I went to grade school with Bill at Forest Glen Elementary. I remember he was always getting into trouble, although I don't remember what the offenses were. In 6th grade his father died suddenly on a business trip. His mother was left with 5 children under the age of 12. When I was in high school, my dad led a church folk choir and Bill played the guitar to accompany the choir. He used to come over to our house on Saturday mornings to practice with my dad. I know he stayed in touch with my parents occasionally and obviously was able to find his way to a very successfull and meaningful life. RIP
Bill was somewhat of an enigma to me back in high school. Always friendly and outgoing, he seemed to answer to a higher calling. Indeed as he grew through adulthood, he demonstrated a unique independence motivated by his self driven ability to explore what interested him and excel at whatever he did. I will always remember him fondly. Definitely a guy who left a positive mark on our world.
Scott Zapel
Obituary
William Arnold "Bill" Estrem
June 20, 1952 ~ February 29, 2020 (age 67)
William Arnold “Bill” Estrem, 67, passed away Saturday, February 29, 2020, in Naples, Florida. Bill will be forever remembered by his wife, Cary Estrem, son Colin (Kitsi) Estrem, daughter Merrill (Teddy) Swanson, granddaughters Lola (11), Stella (7), Lillian (9), Rayna (7) and Serene (1), sister Randi (Jack) Krantz, brother Dana Estrem, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Estrem and Ann Estrem, his sister Sandi Greenwood, his brother David Estrem.
Bill was born on June 20, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL. He dropped out of high school and got his GED before his classmates graduated. He served in the Navy from 1969 to 1973. He then proceeded to get his bachelors and masters degrees in Industrial Technology and finally a PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois. Bill taught high school in Farmer City, IL. He taught Industrial Technology at Illinois State University in Normal and at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Bill then worked for 3M as an Information Technology Architect. He became an endowed chair at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. He later developed his own company, Metaplexity Associates, which provided Enterprise Architecture services to its clients around the world. He retired in 2019. His greatest joys were his family, travel and love of music. He had a zest for life.
Greg Sansom
RIP Bill. We never met, but your life was amazing.
Laurie Stern (Erickson)
I went to grade school with Bill at Forest Glen Elementary. I remember he was always getting into trouble, although I don't remember what the offenses were. In 6th grade his father died suddenly on a business trip. His mother was left with 5 children under the age of 12. When I was in high school, my dad led a church folk choir and Bill played the guitar to accompany the choir. He used to come over to our house on Saturday mornings to practice with my dad. I know he stayed in touch with my parents occasionally and obviously was able to find his way to a very successfull and meaningful life. RIP
Georgia Krause
Bill was a classic! What a wonderful example of someone who found his strengths and put himself on a successful path. He always made me smile!
Jeff Reno
Bill was somewhat of an enigma to me back in high school. Always friendly and outgoing, he seemed to answer to a higher calling. Indeed as he grew through adulthood, he demonstrated a unique independence motivated by his self driven ability to explore what interested him and excel at whatever he did. I will always remember him fondly. Definitely a guy who left a positive mark on our world.