About Bill St. Mane
Bill was known for his generosity and passionate support of youth sports, especially hockey. Through quiet acts of kindness he made playing sports possible for many young people. He never thought of himself as a salesman. He took great satisfaction and pleasure from his work, providing for his family, and helping make possible for other families to be involved in athletics. Bill shared his work ethic and humble spirit by giving many young people the opportunity to work at the store to earn the equipment they needed. A self-proclaimed “shy guy” with a wonderfully subtle sense of humor, he was quick with a smile and an encouraging word.
In January of 2017 Bill was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He faced his illness with courage and dignity. Bill continued on with a resolve to be kind, grateful, and not resentful. His gentlemanly manners and sense of humor never waivered, nor did his faith. As he had all his life, he continued to be more concerned with the needs of others than his own.
Bill expressed his desire that any donations made in his memory be focused on young people in the city. He embraced the mission and purpose of DinoMights to equip urban youth to develop physical, academic, social, and spiritual excellence. It was his wish to partner with them by creating The Bill St.Mane Legacy Fund.
Bill will be will be dearly missed, yet his legacy will live on through the many lives touched by his humility and kindness, and generosity. Thank you for considering a donation.
2017 inducted into the Minneapolis Hockey Hall of Fame for his support and development of hockey in the city.
2018 inductee into the Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame.
In honor of Bill St. Mane, DinoMights began hosting an annual pond hockey tournament in 2018 at the Billy Lindsay Outdoor Rink. To learn more about the DinoMights' St. Mane Pond Hockey Tournament click here.
St. Mane's Sporting Goods - outfitting athletes in South Minneapolis since 1961.
Bill St. Mane playing goalie for Roosevelt High School - without a helmet!
Bill St. Mane pitching for Roosevelt High School.
1953 Roosevelt High School Hockey Team
In the Words of People Who Knew Bill
About Bill’s 2018 induction into the Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame:
Clayton Buck Freeburg: "I can't describe in enough words my love and admiration for Bill St Mane,and his great contributions to Roosvelt hockey and all other sports Too! So very generous in supplying all our needs at great prices too!"
Tim Hoffer: "Really, really cool and so well deserved. One of my all time favorite people. Always helping people in this community,,,,mostly young athletes,, Congrats Bill"
Monte Moir: "Congrats Bill! Well deserved! Thanks for all of your support to the community, especially us hockey guys!"
Dan Larson: St. Mane's was the center of the universe for any hockey-playing kid growing up in the neighborhood. Bill is a no-brainer for HOF. Well-deserved congratulations!
From Bill’s Caring Bridge site:
Tim Leighton | May 22, 2017 8:01am
"Hi Mr. St. Mane. That's what is was back in our day, we would always use Mr. I was taught that was a sign of respect for our elders. I loved growing up in the South Minneapolis/Roosevelt neighborhood. Riding my Schwinn down to your shop was one reason why. I wasn't a hockey player like most of your clientele. I was a basketball guy. I'd come into "Hockey City" looking for a pair of Converse canvas high tops, or later, some Nikes for what would be many years of playing basketball for Roosevelt. Hey, in traveling league we even proudly displayed "St. Mane's Sporting Goods" on those old double-knit style uniforms back in the day! You always smiled and said you'd try to find something for me when I came in for sneakers or those tube socks that went to our knees and had Roosevelt colors. Somehow, amid all of those hockey skates, you always managed to find a pair of basketball shoes for the tall, skinny kid that lived across from Lake Hiawatha Golf Course. You'd call me "Mr. Hoops" when I'd stop in or bike by. When you'd see me at Buzz's Barbers, you'd tell Buzz or Benolkin to do a nice job, that I had to look good on the court. These are memories that bring many smiles. Best wishes to you on this new journey."
Robert McMaster | May 22, 2017 5:54am
"Bill there were many times our family would visit your store,for new or used hockey equipment coming from a family of 4 hockey players we could never have afforded new skates w/o your skate exchange program.you know the importance of a good fit. Thank you for sponsoring all youth teams over the years it was appreciated by so many, many people loved how you cared for all the young athletes. Well wishes, and when it warms leave some fish for others."