William “Bill” Gregory Davitt age 87 of St. Paul, formerly of Baldwin, died Sunday February 13th at the Wellington Care Center in St. Paul. Bill was born on February 13th, 1924 in Green Isle, Minnesota; the son of William and Mamie Davitt. As a young man, he enlisted in the armed forces where he proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was stationed on the USS Sangamon prior to receiving the prestigious Purple Heart Award. For many years, Bill worked for the Minneapolis School District as a custodian. On February 14, 1987, he was united in marriage to the former Bernice Berendt. Bill retired from the school district and together the Davitt’s moved to rural Baldwin where Bill enjoyed  pig farming. Bill thoroughly enjoyed farming and especially tending to his beloved roses. He completed the Master Gardener course and became the ambassador of the rose. He traveled to area garden clubs, county fairs, or flower shows to offer advice and tips to grow the best roses. Bill and Bernice also took great pleasure in helping with the local food pantry out of Gethsemane Lutheran Church and the Community Suppers he helped coordinate.

Bill will fondly be remembered by his wife Bernice and her children Cynthia (Greg) Fulkerson, Linda (Wes) Skoglund, Gregory (Deanna) Martin, including their children Michael, Rachel, Michael, Jesse, Crystal, Anne, and Jenny as well as many great grandchildren. He is furthered survived by his sister-in-law Josephine Davitt and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother John Davitt, and sister Mary (Harvey) Benedict..

Mass of Christian Burial for William Davitt will be 11AM Friday February 18th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond. Father Jerry Harris to officiate. Full military honors will be provided by the Baldwin American Legion Post. Burial will be in the St. Brendan’s Catholic Cemetery in Green Isle, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at church on Friday morning.