WILFRED "BILL" A. GAVIN

July 31, 1933 - October 3, 2012

Wilfred "Bill" A. Gavin, 79, of Caledonia, died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at Caledonia Care and Rehab in Caledonia. He was born July 31, 1933 in Caledonia to Owen and Anne (Hayes) Gavin. Bill married Josephine Lorenz on Sept. 6, 1951 at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Hokah, MN. In his younger days Bill farmed for several area farmers; the Lord's, Hendel's and Burgs. He worked as a custodian at St. John's and St. Peter's Catholic Church, where he also cared for the schools and adjoining property. He then worked as a custodian for the Caledonia Public School. He served as caretaker for 30 years at Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia and he also worked at the Catholic Cemetery in LaCrosse and Caledonia Haulers. He later worked with the MN DNR and Park Systems in the Green Thumb Program. Bill was an avid gun collector and outdoorsman; he enjoyed hunting, tinkering on cars and small engines..jack of all trades!... He is survived by his wife, Josephine, of Caledonia; 6 children, Francis (Vikki) Gavin of Tomah, WI, Richard (Joan) Gavin of LaCrescent, MN, Dale (Joy) Gavin of Winona, MN, Michael (Patty) Gavin and Charles (Pam) Gavin, both of Caledonia, and Cathy (Gene) Krupa of Waukon, IA; grandchildren, Kelly, John, Evan, and Garrett; Rick (Jennie), Tony (Stephanie), Shawn (Tessa) and Katrina; Ryan (Katie), Megan (Josh); Nicholas (Sarah), William and Dustin; Samantha (Jordan), Angela and Heather; and Sophia and Justin; great grandchildren, Michael, Gabrielle, Ella, Ava, Halle, Kendal, Timothy, Gregory, Audrey, and Bailey; sister, Helen Heinen of St. Paul, MN; brothers, Bob (Ruby) Gavin of Bethlehem, PA and Lawrence (Elaine) Gavin of Caledonia; sister in law, Carol Gavin of Caledonia and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl, John, Joseph, Jim, and Father Harold Gavin; and his sisters, Mildred Hogseth and Mary Burg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Sat. Oct. 6, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Gregory Leif will officiate and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm Friday at McCormick Funeral Home, 205 E. Main, Caledonia, where a rosary will be said at 3:30 pm and a prayer service at 8 pm. Friends may also call from 10-11 am Sat. morning at the church. The pall bearers will be Bill's grandchildren, Kelly Gavin, Tony Gavin, Ryan Gavin, Nicholas Gavin, Samantha Gavin, and Sophia Krupa