William "Bill" Michael Nicolo Roberts

Minnesota - William "Bill" Michael Nicolo Roberts, 72, died Friday, December 13, 2024 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He is survived by his loving son, Zachary Michael Roberts (Melissa) and daughter, Rachael Leigh Roberts Kozlowski (Ted); 5 grandchildren, Avery, Adam, Amelia, Evelyn, and Alaina; sisters, Barbara "Bobbie", Maryanne (Steve), Joni, and Gina (John); sister-in-law, Dolly; and nieces and nephews, cousins, family and friends. Bill is preceded in death by his brother, John (with whom he shared a love of 60s and 70s rock music); parents, William "Big Bill" & Ethel Mae Roberts.

Bill was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of William Michael Roberts, Sr. and Ethel Mae Born Roberts. He grew up in a loud and loving house on East Orange with 5 siblings and many friends, lots of music and jokes, and a house always filled with people.

Bill graduated from St. Agnes High School in St. Paul where he was known to be an outstanding athlete in both Hockey and Football. He was honored to spend a year as the Junior West Wind Prince of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, of which his Uncle Red was Vulcanus Rex the 46th; he was also very happy that his daughter was Junior West Wind Princess a few decades later.

Bill also graduated from St. Mary's College in Mankato where he studied psychology and met his first wife Sue Larson. They later lived in St. Paul's Desnoyer Park Neighborhood where there were many baseball, hockey, and football games played. Their children attended St. Mark's Catholic Schools and St. Paul Central High School. Zac has since relocated to the Madison, WI area and Rachael lives in Stillwater, MN.

He worked in transportation most of his life and enjoyed his position at Dakota County Technical College. Later in life, Bill lived in Hastings and Prescott where he worked with many young kids, who brought joy to his life, at Hastings Bus Company.

He was also married to Dianne Klaus and helped raise two stepsons, Brandon and Nicholas Baratto. He loved helping coach them in hockey and staging elaborate pranks. He was most recently married to Jodi Roberts (sons Alex and Cory) and had 2 adorable, short hair cats that brought him many years of joy.

Bill loved the spiritual and was the best at waxing philosophical around a campfire. He enjoyed Halloween, ghost stories, and sent "Happy Solstice" cards around the Winter Holidays. Bill liked to be outside fishing, and had an interest in the environment, even winning an award for putting considerable effort into his local recycling program. He enjoyed golfing with his high school buddies and loved spending time on the river with friends and family.

There will be a celebration of life at Brian's Bar & Grill at 219 S Main St. in Stillwater, MN on Saturday, February 15th. Doors will be open at 3 pm with a short ceremony taking place around 4 pm and a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Freedom From Religion Foundation based in Madison, Wi or the Animal Humane Society in Woodbury, MN.