Mr. L. William "Bill" Bailey of Rochester, age 86, died April 12, 2010 at his residence.  He was born June 25, 1924 in Winona.  Following High School in Ashville, North Carolina, he served in the Navy during WWII aboard USS Nassau.  He married Elizabeth "Bette" Zeininger on July 20, 1946 at Grand Rapids, Minnesota.  That same year he began work in his family's business, Bailey & Bailey, in Winona for about 10 years.

Mr. Bailey owned and operated a real estate pre-licensing and continuing education school in Rochester for many years.  He enjoyed golf and hunting.  He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and proudly celebrated sobriety for 51 years.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Sam Bailey and daughter, Kathleen Carney, both of Rochester; three grandchildren: Mark Bailey of Burnet, Texas; Kate Pomerleau of Zumbro Falls and Christina Carney of Stewartville.  Seven great grandchildren also survive.  Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by two sisters.

There will be a gathering of friends and relatives, Thursday, April 15, 2010,  5pm – 8pm at Macken Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 7:30PM with the Rev. James McCauley officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona.