William (Bill) Kenneth White, 95, of Chatfield, Minn., passed away on March 8, 2026, at the Chosen Valley Care Center under the Care of Mayo Clinic Hospice following a brief illness. He was born May 13, 1930, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn., to Earl and Dorothy White. He worked at his father’s restaurant for many years. He enlisted in the United States Army National Guard after high school. Bill was a Private during the Korean War, where he took on duties in kitchen patrol (KP). He loved fishing, vacations up north, baking with his wife, and connecting with other Korean veterans. He treasured time with his family and enjoyed gathering with loved ones.
Marlys (Molly) Joy White, 92, of Chatfield, Minn., passed away on March 22, 2026, at the Chosen Valley Care Center under the Care of Mayo Clinic Hospice following a brief illness. She was born July 15, 1933, in Chester, Iowa, to Elmer and Laura (Milbreath) Johnson. On September 25, 1952, she married the love of her life Bill White in Rochester, Minn. Molly was a bookkeeper for both Michael’s Restaurant and Benike Construction. She loved birdwatching, gardening, baking, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed dabbling in art including ceramics and painting.
Bill and Molly were united in marriage on September 25, 1952, in Rochester, Minn. Their 73 years together were a testament to steadfast love and mutual support, touching the lives of those around them with their warmth and dedication. Through both joyful times and life’s challenges, their deep commitment shone brightly, serving as a lasting example of enduring partnership.
They are survived by their children Cheryl Gasner of Chatfield, Deb (Jerry) Behnken of Rochester, and Mike White of Rochester; their grandchildren Renee Gasner of Minneapolis, Tony (Christin) Gasner of Sparta, Wis., Samantha (Nick) Fatis of Rochester, and Cody (Megan) Jordahl of Rochester; 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Bill is also survived by his brother Clare White of Rochester.
A service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. followed by the service at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend the military honors burial at Grandview Memorial Gardens, followed by a luncheon at Bill and Molly’s former residence: 3208 Nelson Ct SE, Rochester, MN 55904.
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