William Edward Nadeau

Father William Nadeau, a devoted servant of God, passed away on December 21, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his calling. Born on October 24, 1938, in

St. Paul, Minnesota, to William and Marion Nadeau, Father Bill was the youngest of three children, sharing his upbringing with his sister Jackie and brother Tom.

Father Bill's journey of faith began when he graduated from Cretin High School; a boys-only military academy staffed by the De LaSalle Christian Brothers, and later upon his graduation from the University of Minnesota with a degree in business. He then entered the Oblate of Mary Immaculate Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. Father Bill was ordained on September 8, 1968, at The Church of the Assumption in Richfield, Minnesota—coincidentally, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In 1973, he embraced a new calling in prison ministry with the Texas Department of Corrections, where he would go on to dedicate 25 years to this transformative work within the federal prison system.

Not long after his retirement from prison ministry, Father Bill answered the call to serve in the missionary Diocese of Reno. He was initially assigned to St. Gall Parish in Gardnerville in 1999, where he faithfully served for six years before moving to St. Francis of Assisi in Incline Village in 2005. At St. Francis, Father Bill's charismatic leadership was instrumental in raising $5 million in six months for the complete renovation of the church.

Guided by the belief that success means "never giving up," Father Bill's life was rooted in an era where commitment was not only common but sacred. He cherished every opportunity to preach and implement Christ’s Gospel messages, believing that through the celebration of sacraments and the guidance towards a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, he could spread faith, love, and justice.

"Faith is to believe without totally understanding," a quote dear to Father Bill, encapsulated his profound connection with spirituality. His love for the outdoors and Lake Tahoe area was evident in his enjoyment of activities like paddleboarding, skiing, and golfing. His distinctive preaching style, characterized by storytelling, interactivity, and a conversational tone, endeared him to the congregations he served.

Father Bill's profound sense of joy, infectious laughter, and remarkable generosity left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know him. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Marion Nadeau, and his sister, Jackie Slagerman, he is survived by his brother Tom Nadeau (Carole), nephews Mike Mack, David Bower (Jen), Tom Nadeau Jr. (Theresa), and Brian Nadeau (Felicia), nieces Lisa Debill, Barbara Cabrera (Eddie), Michelle Lauridsen (James), and Lynne Van Wyk, along with several great-nieces and nephews.

Father Bill's favorite Scripture, Micah 6:8, epitomized his life's mission, urging all to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. We can all honor Father Bill’s legacy by praying every day, seeking a personal relationship with our Lord, forgiving, and being forgiven by others, and being disciples who share the Good News.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Father Bill Nadeau's name to the Diocese of Reno, specifically for prison ministry, will be appreciated. Father Bill's enduring spirit and dedication to justice will continue to inspire all who were touched by his life and ministry. May he rest in eternal peace, leaving behind a legacy of love and faith.