Honoring and Remembering Bill Halbrehder
Sadly, the MGHCA has lost one of our early leaders as Bill Halbrehder lost his battle with cancer on April 2nd. He passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving and supporting family. Bill was 80 years old. While many of the newer coaches involved with high school hockey may not know what Bill did for youth in the North St Paul area and the Minnesota Girls Hockey Coaches Association, his absence will be felt by many who had the pleasure to serve with him and to get to know him. Bill leaves a legacy of service that should be an inspiration not only to those that knew him but to those wishing to follow into the footsteps of an individual who devoted his time freely, was always looking to preserve the past and pave the way for future student athletes and coaches.
Bill and his wife Barb were inducted into the MGHCA Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021. Bill was also awarded the Brano Stankovsky Award in 2014 for his extraordinary service to the MGHCA, girls high school hockey and the programs provided by the MGHCA.
Barb Halbrehder, Bill Halbrehder, Tom Kulenkamp, Pat Furlong
Visitation and Services
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
O'Connell Family Funeral Home
520 11th Street South
Hudson WI, 54016
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 4, 2023
St. Patrick Catholic Church
1500 Vine Street
Hudson WI, 54016
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 4, 2023
St. Patrick Catholic Church
1500 Vine Street
Hudson WI, 54016
Bill Halbrehder
Obituary for Bill Halbrehder
Jay William “Bill” Halbrehder, age 80 of Houlton, WI.
Bill died peacefully at home on April 2, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family. Preceded in death by parents; William and Margaret (Mauer) Halbrehder, Father-in-law, Richard Stengel. Survived by beloved wife of nearly 41 years, Barbara (Stengel) Halbrehder. Children; Teresa Halbrehder (Joe Agoglia), Angela (Andy) Farrington, Tracy (Brad) Murray, David (Jessica) Rohde. Grandchildren; Rhiana Murray, Ali & Brody Farrington, Faith Rohde. Brothers; John (Carolyn) Halbrehder, Mark (Paulette) Halbrehder, sister; Debbie(Bob)VanHorn. Step-siblings, Sheryl and Steve Hess. Mother–in–law; Judith (Bob) Rodine. Brother-in-law; Steve(Sue) Stengel, Sister-in-law; Jennifer (Scott) Johnson. Brothers-in-law; Scott (Angel) Stengel, Chris Stengel, Sister-in-law; Carrie(Steve) Sowada. Step-mother-in-law Eileen Stengel. Many nephews, nieces, extended family, colleagues, and friends.
Bill was born November 13, 1942, in Duluth, MN. Graduated from Superior Cathedral H.S in WI. 1960, and UMD in 1965 majoring in physical education, health, and coaching. He earned a master’s degree in exercise physiology at Bemidji State in 1980. He spent 31 years at N.St. Paul High School as a teacher, coaching boys/girls soccer, and boys /girls hockey, as well as an athletic administrator. He greatly enjoyed 5 years at Augsburg University as an assistant women’s ice hockey coach. His faith & family was the focus of his many passions which also included; Cabin life in WI, fishing, trapping, building, and driving his favorite street rods, 1933-1942 Willys to car shows and drag racing venues.
Visitation 4-7 PM Wednesday May 3 at O’Connell Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St. Hudson and 10-11 Thursday at church. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday May 4 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St. Hudson. In place of flowers, memorials are preferred:
Camp Odayin
3503 High Point Dr. N.
Suite #250
Oakdale, MN 55128
or
Rhinos Foundation
P.O. Box 689
River Falls, WI. 54022
Hockey Goaltender (1961-1965)
Was the Bulldogs' starting netminder for three seasons and exited the UMD hockey program as its all-time leader for both goals against average (3.90) and saves percentage (.894 – a mark which stood for 35 years) ... posted a school-record .901 saves percentage as a junior and was the only goaltender to eclipse the .900 mark in the first 36 years of UMD’s NCAA I-era existence ... was credited with 77 saves (a Bulldog all-time high and a then-NCAA record) in a 6-5 overtime loss at Michigan on Dec. 19, 1964 ... launched a rewarding 21-year head coaching career with North St. Paul High School boys’ hockey team in 1968... directed the Polars to a 305-143-17 overall record and a pair of Minnesota State High School Tournament berths (1970 and 1981) ... coached boys’ soccer for 12 years, girls’ soccer for 13 seasons and girls’ hockey from 2005-09 at North St Paul High School... his Polars paid five visits to the Minnesota State High School Girl's Soccer Tournament, taking runnerup honors on two occasions ... spent five winters as an assistant coach with the Augsburg College women's hockey team (2000-05) ... is a member of both the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame (Class of 1995) and Minnesota Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame (1991) ... was the recipient of the prestigious Cliff Thompson Award in 2005 for his long-term contributions to the sport of hockey in Minnesota ... currently serves as president of the Minnesota Girls Hockey Association ... is a native of Superior, Wis. ... graduated from UMD in 1965 with a B.A. degree in physical education and health and earned his Master's degree in exercise physiology four years later at Bemidji State University
Hockey Fights Cancer - No One Fights Alone
If you would like to make a donation to the MGHCA Hockey Fights Cancer - No One Fights Alone program, you can use the QR code below to make a donation. Every dollar raised is given to the Childrens Cancer Research foundation to support finding cures for childhood cancers. THANK YOU.
Hockey Fights Cancer - No One Fights Alone
Bill Halbrehder 1965 while at Univ. of MN-Duluth
