William (Bill) Flies
Born in 1942 in Wabasha, Minn., Bill passed away at his home in Frontenac, Minn., February 19, 2021. Bill will be remembered by many for his entrepreneurial ventures, quick wit, kindness, brilliance and philanthropy. Bill was a beloved father, husband to Linda, “Papa” to his granddaughters, and brother to his siblings.
The eldest of eleven children, Bill was raised in rural Wabasha County. He graduated from Plainview High School in 1960, and Minnesota State University – Mankato in 1964 with degrees in math, physics and business.
A brilliant entrepreneur and business visionary, Bill started several successful companies. He began his career as an engineer in 1964 helping Univac create the first virtual computers, operating systems and computer languages. In 1969, he cofounded Technalysis while creating KET, Inc., at the same time. His innovative technology for these companies was used by the U.S. Military, IRS, Post Office, and U.S. Security Agencies.
In 1978, Bill founded Datakey, Inc., a company that created personal portable information products for many business and governmental applications, including data and voice encryption systems. Datakeys were used for secure, classified and top-secret communications by Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, G.W. Bush and Obama. He was granted over 70 patents for his pioneering designs.
Also recognized widely as an industry pioneer in transportation technology, Bill created XATA Corporation in 1985, which revolutionized supply chains and highway safety systems. Of his many business accomplishments, he was most proud of the jobs created, mortgages paid, and college educations funded for his employees.
Bill and Linda founded Chateau Frontenac, Ltd., in 1987 to re-develop a historic community in Frontenac on the shores of Lake Pepin. It was there he enjoyed hosting the Annual Flies Family Reunion, family weddings and visits with family and friends on the porch.
Bill loved cars, restoring and showing vintage cars and farm tractors with his nine brothers. As grandfather - “Papa” - he enjoyed rides on the “green machine,” trips to the carousel, tubing on the river and attending his granddaughters’ dance events in Minnesota and San Diego where he and Linda spent many winters in retirement.
Bill is survived by his wife, Linda, sons Tom (Kris) and Marc (Aimee), granddaughters Alexandra and Kendall, brothers Ken, Jim (Sharyn), John (Joyce), Gerry (Irene), Dave (Jeannine ), Don, Steve (Pat), Paul (Gwen), Kevin (Rhonda), and sister Debbie. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Lois and daughter Marette.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Lupus Foundation at lupus.org.
