William Louis 'Bill' Devitt

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Devitt, William Louis "Bill" age 94 of Edina, formerly of St. Paul, and of Minneapolis, died well on July 3, 2017, after constant vigil by his children in hospital several days following the onset of acute illness. A courageous soldier has reported for duty in the ranks of paradise. Predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Mary McNulty Devitt, his children Anne and Nicholas, his siblings James, Robert (Diane), and Mary Bard (Paul). He is survived by children Christopher (Marilyn), Sean (Georgia Corner), Mary (Duncan Connel), Matthew, William, and Sarah Shaw; 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, and all his much loved nieces, nephews and their children. Bill Devitt was born May 25, 1923 to loving parents, Louis James and Nora Gertrude (Cavanaugh) Devitt. He attended St. Thomas Military Academy, St. Thomas College, and the University of Minnesota where he received degrees in Business Administration and Law, practicing Law in St. Paul from 1955-1988. In 1943, at the age of 19, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, being summoned for service in Europe in WWII where he served until 1946. He was distinguished for bravery in combat with the Bronze Star and several Purple Hearts for wounds received. He authored a book about his experience, "Shavetail: The Odyssey of an Infantry Lieutenant in World War II." It was extensively quoted by preeminent historian Sir Max Hastings in "Armagedon: The War 1944-45." The 19 year old officer's photograph appears in Hasting's tome, illustrating the exceptional youth of American officers. Bill was subsequently called back to serve in the Korean conflict for 17 months as an army captain. After the wars, he became a devoted father and husband, who constantly spent time with his children. In an era when most men didn't change diapers, do laundry, cook or clean; he did it all with songs and a ready smile, daily reading and story telling to his 8 children until he fell asleep, babes in arms, begging for more. This, while in law school and subsequently as a hard-working attorney for over three decades. In years to come, he did the same for his beloved grandchildren; and was indeed even a father figure to several of them. Great grandchildren enchanted and delighted him in late life as well. For his entire family, he was a brave, loyal, dutybound, (and often hilarious) soldier to the end. The family thanks the nursing staff at Methodist Hospital during the last fews days, with special gratitude to Deborah Bauer, RN who provided exquisite care and comfort to both Bill and his family, performing, just as her patient had always done, far above and beyond the call of duty. Ever a gentleman, his final words were an emphatic "Thank you". Visitation 5-8 pm Tuesday, July 11 at O'Halloran and Murphy, 575 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, MN 55116. Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Wednesday, July 12 at Church of St. Patrick of Edina, 6820 St. Patrick's Ln., Edina, MN 55439. Visitation prior to Mass at 10 am at St. Patrick's. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home 651-698-0796

Published on July 9, 2017