William Carl Sames

William Carl Sames, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026. He was born on June 2, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents William and Elizabeth Sames. He was confirmed at Ascension Lutheran Church in Riverside and graduated from Riverside Brookfield High School. Bill then went on to attend Valparaiso University in Indiana and Northwestern University in Chicago. Bill began his career as a car salesman and eventually became President and CEO of five corporations, roles he fulfilled with pride and commitment.

As a younger man, Bill was a member of a German chorus in Chicago, where he met his future wife, Jeanne Krutzikowsky, sparking a love that resulted in a marriage that lasted over 65 years. Together, they created a warm and loving home and cherished countless memories. He was also a member of the Schwäbische Sängerbund, a men’s German singing chorus. His strong German heritage remained a significant part of his identity, as did his unwavering Lutheran faith. Bill was formerly an elder at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Illinois and more recently a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Woodbury, MN. He leaves his family a legacy of faith.

After retiring from his corporate endeavors, Bill found a new calling at the St. Croix Cigar Shop, where he was beloved by many for his wealth of knowledge and storytelling ability. He enjoyed visiting relatives in Germany, vacations with his family and weekends at the cabin. Bill was a man of many passions. He found joy outdoors, hunting, fishing and gardening. He was also known for his fondness for beer and cigars and often entertained friends and family with his spirited accounts of life.

He is survived by his children William G. Sames, Brigitte (Sames) Feia (Lon L. Feia), Kurt Sames (Karoline Nelson), and Christine Sames (Jeff Vig); grandchildren Aria (Feia) DeWuske, Zach Sames, Kia (Feia) Suarez, Luke Sames, Meade Sames, Lonny Feia, Avery Sames and Aiden Sames; sister Dorothy Anderson and many extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanne, parents William and Elizabeth, and daughter in law Margaret W. Sames.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Woodbury, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 10-11am with the service starting at 11am. Burial will immediately follow the funeral at St. John's Cemetery. A German, Oktoberfest style meal and celebration, including beer, cigars and song under a big top tent will follow at 2pm at Brigitte Feia's house in Hudson, WI. Wear your best German clothing and come prepared to sing and celebrate Bill's life and ETERNAL LIFE! All are welcome! Address of reception will be printed in the church bulletin or can be obtained by contacting O'Connell Funeral Home at info@oconnellfuneralhomes.com. Memorials are preferred to St. John Lutheran Church in Woodbury.