IN MEMORIAM: Bill Cleary

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Bill Cleary from Surface Combustion.  William "Bill" Joseph Cleary passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 61, surrounded by loved ones, on February 7, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bill was a very active member of the Metal Treating Institute throughout his career in the Midwest Chapter.  He was a YES Management Training Program graduate from the 2013 class, was always present at the two Midwest Chapter meetings each year, as well of Furnaces North America.

Bill was born in St. Paul, MN on October 26, 1960 to parents John and Ella Cleary. He was the youngest of 9 brothers and sisters. He grew up in White Bear Lake, where he attended grade school. Bill graduated in the class of 1979, and went on to attend Michigan Tech college, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. After graduating college, he had a lifelong career (36 Years) with Surface Combustion as a mechanical engineer and senior sales engineer. He married Anne on March 17, 2007. They lived in Lindstrom, MN. Over the course of their marriage, Anne introduced him to traveling for pleasure, camping, and lots of lifelong friendships.

Bill was an incredible husband, father, brother, friend, and his favorite title was Grandpa. Bill’s love for his family and friends knew no bounds. He was always the first person to offer a helping hand or an ear to listen. Bill will live on through all of us, if we all live like he did. Trust in God, work hard, keep our loved ones close, always offer a hand to help, enjoy the simple pleasures in life, laugh as often as you can, and always be the first to forgive.

The MTI family sends their thoughts and prayers to the entire Cleary family.