Trending
CHANDLER, AZ--E. Bill Ferguson, 86, of Chandler, Arizona, was born May 24, 1940, to Elmer and Thelma Ferguson in Heron Lake, Minnesota. He passed peacefully on August 22, 2026, after a year of medical challenges that he navigated with grace.
Bill attended Mankato State University, earning his undergraduate degree and additional degrees in Education. He began his career as an elementary teacher in Fairmont, Minnesota, before moving into school administration. It was at MSU that he met and married Rose Marie Pichner of Owatonna, Minnesota. Together they raised two children, Blair and Stacy, in New Ulm, Minnesota.
A dedicated educator, Bill served as principal in ISD #88 at both Washington Elementary and Hanska Elementary. He was honored by MESPA with the Distinguished Service Award in 1985, an achievement he remained deeply proud of throughout his life.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Thelma; his brother, Darvin; foster brother, Bob Volk; granddaughter, Tiffany; Rose Marie; and an infant daughter.
He is survived by his son, Blair Ferguson (Nancy), and his daughter, Stacy Strate (Jared). He is also survived by his grandchildren--Tonicia (Mike), Josh (Amanda), Mariah (Matt), and Tiahnah (Jake)--and by his great‑grandchildren, Jaxon, Emma, and two more expected soon. Bill is further survived by his sister, Nicole a.k.a. Maxine (Doug); his sister‑in‑law, Susan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his special friends, Fred and Lynne Robison, and David Henry.
Bill enjoyed time with family and friends, traveling, collecting clocks, and watching documentaries. In later years, he especially cherished singing with the Sunbird Singers, and Friday night bingo with his daughter and friends. He was a past member of Turner Hall in New Ulm, a 3rd Degree Mason, active in Scottish Rite for 50 years, a member of the Shriners, and proudly participated as a Narren in New Ulm before moving to Arizona.
Celebrations of life will be held in both Minnesota and Arizona, with details to be shared at a later time.
Bill will be remembered for his dedication to education, his steady kindness, and the joy he found in the people he loved.