Age 69, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, passed away on August 7, 2026.

Bill grew up in Alton, Illinois, near St. Louis, a city for which he always had a soft spot. He went on to graduate from Western Illinois University before moving to Indianapolis, where he met his wife, Barbara. The two later moved to Minnesota for Bill’s work, where they bought a house, raised their family, and built a life together.

Bill was a lifelong learner with an endlessly curious mind. He was incredibly book smart and loved learning simply for the sake of learning. He could have happily been a full-time student his entire life. His curiosity meant there was rarely a shortage of things to talk about, and conversations with Bill could wander into just about any topic—sometimes interesting, sometimes completely random, and often both.

He began his career as a seed salesman before eventually finding his way into computers, working as a computer technician and analyst.

Bill loved getting in the car and simply driving. He wasn’t one for taking the main road, preferring the back roads and the less direct route to wherever he was going. For Bill, the drive itself was part of the experience. He also loved planting things—though not necessarily gardening—and enjoyed watching the things he planted grow.

Bill had a playful sense of humor and loved to tease the people he cared about, while being just as happy when they gave it right back to him.

Above all, Bill loved his family. He especially cherished being a grandfather to Charlotte and Archie, who brought tremendous joy to his life.

Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Hoots; his daughter, Kathryn Cavazos and her husband, Matthew Cavazos; his son, Thomas Hoots; and his beloved grandchildren, Charlotte and Archie Cavazos.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Hoots and William Hoots Jr., and his brother, Joe Hoots.

Bill will be deeply missed and remembered for his curious mind, his humor, his love of learning, his love for his family, and the conversations that could take you just about anywhere—much like one of his drives.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.