Wilfred Lee Phinney was born January 28, 1941, in the Heron Lake Hospital in Heron Lake, Minnesota. He was the son of Wilfred and Etta (Smith) Phinney. He was named after his father and went by the name of Will & his family often referred to him as Sonny. He grew up on a farm near Heron Lake, he graduated from Heron Lake Public High School and went on to college at Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota. There he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business.

He moved to Michigan, and was employed as a high school teacher, and later worked as a factory worker at an auto manufacturing company. He married and had three children and later divorced. He returned to Heron Lake to live and work for at Toro for over 20 years manufacturing lawnmowers and snowblowers in Windom, MN. He later worked as a caretaker/janitor at the United Methodist Church in Heron Lake. Finally, he worked as a data/organizer at the Jackson County Historical Center in Lakefield, MN.

Will was a member of the United Methodist Church in Heron Lake. He enjoyed shows at the Okoboji Summer Theatre and had a membership there. Will liked gambling at the casinos and would always dress in a Hawaiian shirt when he went there. He enjoyed playing cards and visiting with his sister Bonnie for coffee chats. Will was often found at the local cafe enjoying coffee and good conversation. He spent as much time as possible with his family and his good friend Terry. He had a big heart when it came to the love of his dogs throughout his life, especially for Toby, who you could always find by his side.

Will died on January 16, 2024, at the age of 82 years, 11 months, and 16 days old. He is survived by his sister Joyce Murphey of Lakewood, CO; 3 daughters, Michelle (Mike) Smith of Pleasant Lake, MI, Lisa Phinney of Royal Oak, MI, and Heather Kruskamp of Winter Park, FL; seven grandchildren, Scott, Lucinda, Mel, Connor, Lilly, Ethan, and Hannah; one great grandchild Peyton; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Meriam and Les Leopold; sister, Bonnie Longfellow; brother-in-law Doug Murphey; and nephew Brad Thomas.

Blessed be his memory.