William Chester Alexander

William Chester Alexander, 70, of Hermantown, died on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Essentia Health after a short battle with cancer. 

 Bill was born on June 30, 1954, in Duluth, MN, to James and Vivi-Ann (Berglund) Alexander. A 1972 graduate of Hermantown high school, he married his band room sweetheart, Cindy Pearson, on August 22, 1975. Bill worked at each of his family's businesses, starting at age eight on his family farm, and then at age 15 at the Gopher Shoe Repair, which he purchased from his grandfather at age 18. He would continue to hone his craft in shoe repair until the business was sold in 2010. 

 Bill always had a passion for music, and in 1972 he began conducting the CSS pep band, his first conducting job and "a study in musical chaos." ("Rah rah ree, kick 'em in the knee, rah rah rass, kick 'em in the other knee"). Not only would he forge life-long friendships, but it became apparent that he had a gift for music leadership.

 He took over bell choir at FUMC in the early '70s. Under his guidance the bell program grew, and he founded the internationally recognized touring handbell ensemble, Strikepoint. Their first trip to Japan lasted one month and was followed every year by tours to nearly every U.S. state, as well as England, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Sweden, and Hong Kong. He retired from Strikepoint in 2024, and his final tour, fittingly enough, was back to Japan. He was heavily involved in the Handbell Musicians of America throughout his bell-playing career, serving as chairman of Area 7 from 1992 to 1994. He was also a sought-after clinician, conducting for massed ringing events around the country. In all facets of his handbell life, Bill was known for his boundless energy, his ability to inspire excellence, and his infectious sense of fun.

 Bill returned to school in 1986 (at age 33) and graduated in 1990 with a BA in music education. He taught in Floodwood, MN, from 1990 until 1997, and then at the Marshall School from 1998 until 2016. He inspired students not only to become better musicians, but to be bold, loud, and unapologetically themselves. Many student testimonials remember Bill not only as a great teacher, but as a father figure who gave them a reason to stay in school, all while inspiring them to expect excellence and respect, both in themselves and in others. He was unfailingly patient and kind and always treated his students as fully formed people. 

 There have been hundreds and hundreds of comments on his Facebook page and Caring Bridge site—so many that Meta AI summarized the comments: "Commenters mourn the loss of Bill Alexander, founder of Strikepoint, remembering him as a kind, creative, and inspiring individual who touched many lives through a legacy of music and friendship. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered."

 Bill is preceded in death by his wife, father, mother, and father-in-law Ray Pearson. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Lauren (Stacy) Carolan and Michael (Allison Akins) Alexander; grandchildren, William “Will” and Amelia “Millie” Carolan; brother, Mark (Susan) Alexander; sisters, Jamie (Pete) Glitsos and Jill (Jon) Anderson; mother-in-law, Jeanne Pearson; sisters-in-law, Andrea Pearson and Darcy (Dave) Freese; brother-in-law, Bret Pearson (Lars Hutchings); honorary sister, Sam Runk; his dogs, Poppy, Penny, and Georgia; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Bill’s family also acknowledges the scores of students and his handbell family around the world who are mourning with them. We would like to thank the Oncology and Palliative Care Team at Essentia Health who provided exceptional care to Bill in his final month.

 SERVICES: 5 p.m. Friday January 24, in First United Methodist Church (also known as the Coppertop), 230 E Skyline Pkwy, with visitation beginning at 4 p.m. Memorials will be divided between medical costs and the FUMC Handbell program. You may also consider a blood donation to Memorial Blood Center, a very important cause to Bill. Arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier-Boetthcher Funeral Home. 3208 W. 3rd St. Duluth, MN 55805. 218-624-1059.