Obituary of William Lee Altmeyer

Altmeyer, William (Bill), (Alty), age 74, passed away September 20, 2022, after 7 years with Parkinson's, and suffering a stroke in March, 2022. Bill was born June 23, 1948, in St. Louis Park to Ralph (Rollie) Altmeyer, a well-known musician in Minneapolis, and Bea (Barrett), a nationally ranked golfer. Bill graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1966, where he was co-captain of the golf team, and a pitcher on the baseball team. Bill played baseball for many years, starting with Little League, and then playing Babe Ruth and American Legion baseball in his teens. Bill's love and skills at golf were nurtured by his Grandfather, William Barrett, the golf pro at Lafayette Country Club, and by his mother, also a pro at Lafayette, and a national tournament player at the beginning of the Ladies Professsional Golf Association. Bill's passion for golf led him to work at Northwest Airlines, later Delta, for 22 years, as a sales agent. At Delta Bill received many commendations and recognition trips for his sales efforts, due to his outstanding work ethic, and amazing patience when helping customers. His job allowed him to travel extensively to many of the most famous golf courses in the U.S., and abroad. Bill's incredible determination and perseverance were tested at a young age, when he contracted Polio at 4, spending 9 months at the Sister Kenny Institute, with his brother Ed, who also got Polio at 1. Recovering from the disease gave Bill the determination to excel at all the sports he could play, with a strong competitive spirit. When Bill got Parkinson's in 2015, he was determined to continue to play golf, and after his stroke in March, he chose to live his life fully for as long as he could. Bill had many loves: golf (his first love), fast sports cars ( but drove them slow), scary movies, traveling, all animals ( he loved to visit the zoos in every city we visited), R&B and Motown hits, a great fancy steak restaurant, some Crown on the rocks or with eggnog, and his famous grassies ( a drink called the Grasshopper for those who haven't had the privilege). Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and faithful friend. Bill is survived by Jill (Jileen) ( Drury), his wife of 53 years, daughter Gena Cooper (Antione), grandson Devon, brother Edward, beloved dogs London and Emma, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Our deep gratitude is extended to the Grace Hospice staff for their loving care. As befitting this fun guy, a celebration of Bill's full life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.