William "Bill" Rutherford

William “Bill” James Rutherford, 66, passed away on May 13, 2020 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND surrounded by his family.

William Rutherford was born on January 31, 1954 to Harold and Bette (Colbert) Rutherford in Valley City, ND. He had two older sisters Sharon and Pat and they all grew up in Cuba, ND. Bill was part of the graduating class of Fingal High School in 1972.

He went on to further and complete his education at the University of North Dakota with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education in 1976. Then advanced his education also at the University of North Dakota with a Master’s Degree and Professional Administration License completed in 1998. He taught Special Education for 3 years in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. He worked at as a teacher for 32 years in all but one school in the Mahnomen area. He helped develop many of the programs and protocols used by the schools during his time. In 1994, William became involved with the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollage, MN, restoring antique tractors. He showed his van in the Vanners and participated in the World of Wheels.

After his retirement from teaching Bill took a position working at the Lakes Liquors Store in Detroit Lakes, MN. He met the love of his life Annette Grindall at the liquor and they asked each other out in May 2013 becoming life partners until his passing.

Deeply loved Bill’s passing will be mourned by the love of his life Annette, his sister and brother-in-law Pat (Peter) Yoghourtjian, his nieces Kim McDonald, Lisa Anderson, his nephew Patrick (Cecili Franco) Yoghourtjian, great-nephew Alex McDonald, great-niece Paige Yoghourtjian, his mother-in-law Viola Retz, grandkids Izze, Dom, Steph, and Lily Brb, brother-in-law Allen Retz and many cousins.

Bill is welcomed in Heaven by his parents Bette and Harold, his sister Sharon Anderson, grandparents, aunts and uncle, and cousin.