William Brondyke

Born on July 8, 1947, in Holland, Michigan, to Lucille and Wilbert Brondyke, Bill graduated from Holland High School in 1965. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Michigan State University in 1971. Shortly after, he completed Michigan Conservation Officer training at the Michigan State Police Academy in Lansing. Bill began his career with the DNR as a Conservation Officer in Norway, Michigan, in 1972, before transferring to the DNR’s Forestry Division. Over his 37 years with the DNR, Bill served many years as the unit manager for the Gwinn unit. He often said that managing a team was easy when surrounded by good people, and his colleagues affectionately called him “Wild Bill”. Bill also served in the Michigan National Guard from 1970 to 1976 and was honorably discharged.

Bill was a faithful and active member of Bethel Baptist Church for over 40 years. He devoted much of his time to the church community, serving in various roles such as an Awana leader, elder, and trustee board member. Bill loved spending time with family and friends, hunting at his camp in Carney, tending to his garden, and taking on home improvement projects. He was an avid reader and enjoyed challenging himself with Sudoku puzzles.

Bill courageously battled Alzheimer’s disease for over eight years, a struggle that made it difficult for him to maintain connections with his friends and family. But he kept his calm and caring demeanor till the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille and Wilbert Brondyke, and his sisters Ruthann Bouws and Lois Hoving, both of the Holland, MI area.

Bill is survived by his brother Chuck Brondyke (Sandy) of Las Vegas, Nevada, his brothers-in-law Gord Bouws, Bob Hoving, David Ray, and sister-in-law Marlene Fitzsimons. Bill is also survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Jan Brondyke, of Marquette, MI, and their three children: Christine (Steve) Walker of Palo, MI, Drew (Stacey) and Maxwell Brondyke (Gandson) of Marquette, MI, and Garret Brondyke of Green Bay, WI and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on March 29, 2025 at Bethel Baptist Church, Marquette. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church from 10:00 am until 11:45 am. Services will begin at 12:00 noon with Rev. Dr. Brian Oberg officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswansonhansen.com.