William H. Kidd, Jr.

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Kidd, William H., Jr. 86, of Edina, passed away on Monday surrounded by family. Preceded in death by his parents, William H. "Willie" Kidd, Sr. and Hazel Kidd. Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jeanette, four children and their families: Bill (Cari) Emily and Will Kidd, Bob (Becky) Joe and Jay Kidd, Jim (Cathy) Anna, Collin and Ali Kidd, Jean (Denny Lutgen) Todd, Troy and Travis Lutgen. Bill was born in Minneapolis on August 24, 1927, graduated from Minneapolis Washburn High School in 1945, and at age 17, enlisted in the Navy. In 1945, he was stationed in San Diego on the USS Sperry as WWII was ending. After the war, he returned to Minnesota to work for his father, Willie, the beloved golf professional at Interlachen Country Club. In 1957, when his father retired, Bill succeeded him as the head professional, continuing a Kidd family tradition that lasted 74 years. Bill loved the game of golf and respected its rules and traditions. He won the 1955 MN PGA Championship, was runner-up in the MN State Open in 1967, was named the Minnesota Golf Professional of the year in 1964 and 1993, and was inducted into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame in 1999. He was a lifelong member of the PGA of America and in retirement, he worked as the Club Relations Director and Rules Official for the Minnesota PGA. Bill was never far away from golf, teaching lessons, running the pro shop, and playing in many local tournaments. He will be dearly missed by the Minnesota golf community and his family. In recent years, Bill suffered from PSP, a rare Parkinson's- like disease. Special thanks to the Waters of Edina staff and Hospice of the Twin Cities who helped care for Bill in his final months. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, May 31 at 11 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick of Edina, 6820 St Patricks Lane, with visitation one hour before the service.

Published on May 30, 2014