William Garlie

William A. "Bill" Garlie, age 82, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at his home in Detroit Lakes, MN. A celebration of his life will be held in his hometown at a later date.

Bill was born October 18, 1928 in Belgrade, MT to Arthur C. and Jennie (Whalen) Garlie. He was raised and attended school in Bozeman, MT. During his high school years, Bill enjoyed swimming and roller skating with his high school team where he earned several metals. He graduated from Gallatin County High School with the class of 1946. Bill was employed by the U.S. Forest Service during and after high school which he did until entering the United States Navy on September 27, 1948. During his time in the Navy, Bill worked as a Fireman in the boiler room. He was also trained in telecommunications. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on September 2, 1952.
Due to his training in the Navy, Bill was immediately hired by Mountain Bell Telephone Company and began work September 24, 1952. His first job with the company was on the line crew which where he rearranged and repaired aerial circuits between towns. This job required him to move every 2 weeks, which he did for 6 and half years. He began work in Malta, MT in 1954 where he placed aerial cable to serve its rural customers. During his time in Malta, Bill met Peggy Ruth Nelson at a local restaurant where he often ate lunch. The couple courted for several years, though Bill was still traveling for work. The couple was united in marriage on August 11, 1956 in Malta. In 1959, Bill was appointed a job with-in the company which allowed him to work closer to home. He retired from Mountain Bell Telephone Company on February 27, 1985, after 33 years of employment. Following his retirement, Bill began took on a side-job of installing and repairing telephones in his community which he did for several years.

Bill and his wife, Peggy moved to Frazee, MN in February of 1987 to be closer to their family. They moved to Detroit Lakes, MN in July of 1994 where Bill lived until the time of his passing.
Bill was a man of many hobbies. He was an avid reader. He took great pride in cooking dinner for his family nearly every evening as they grew. He also enjoyed working in the yard with his wife, planting beautiful flower gardens for all to see and enjoy; being granted "yard of the month" in both Frazee and Detroit Lakes. He loved a good camp fire where he could enjoy the company of his family and friends. He had a reverence for all animals, especially taking a liking to his cats.

While living in Malta, MT, Bill operated the roller skating rink for the Athletic Club for 3 years. He was a charter member of the board of directors for the Nelson Reservoir Association for 3 years and was also one of the linemen who placed lights on the baseball field at Trafton Park.
He was a member of Malt Olive Church in Malta, MT, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee, MN and also enjoyed taking part in the Detroit Lakes Garden Club.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Pete) Osterman of Frazee, MN; step-son, Tim Bullard of Malta, MT; grandchildren: Eric (Erika) Osterman, Steven Osterman, Danny Bullard, Lisa (Justin) O'Dea, Christopher Bullard, Scott Bullard; great grandchild, Seamus Bullard and sister-in-law, Evelyn Stella.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Peggy Ruth Nelson Garlie; stepson, Edmond "Skip" Tank; sisters: Audrey Phelps and Bonnie Kiefer; brothers: Richard McGuffin and Donald McGuffin; sister-in-law, Helen McGuffin; and brothers-in-law: Edward Phelps and John Kiefer.