William Larson

Bill was born July 28, 1934 in Negaunee to Edward and Hilia (Keranen) Larson. He graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1952. He married Judith Salminen on September 17, 1954, sharing 66 years together and raising 8 children. Bill worked several jobs including Cliffs – Dow, Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company and then started his own contracting business, “Bill Larson Builder”.

Bill was very family focused and loved the outdoors. Summers were spent camping throughout the Upper Peninsula and Canada and fishing on Lake Superior. Fall brought duck hunting camp out on the Carp River and deer seasons at the family 510 camp. Many winters over the years were spent in Arizona or Greenacres, Florida. He also loved snowmobiling, pontooning on the Dead River Basin, gardening, canning and preserving all of his favorites, and making wine. Big family and friend gatherings were always a favorite for Bill and Judy. They loved to host fish fry’s, yard parties for any occasion or no occasion and all holidays. Their annual Christmas Eve open house, where all family and friends were welcome, was a highlight. Bill was a lifelong member of the Negaunee Rod and Gun Club and the Mid U.P. Shooters as well as a former member of the Negaunee Elks Club.

Bill is survived by his sons, Jim (Sue), Jon, and Donald (Shana Thornton) Larson, his daughters, Suanne Debski and Kay (Pete) Heikkila, son-in law Kevin Bell and sister-in law Corrin Salminen. He also has 9 grandchildren, Kristina (Randy) Norwood, Jeff Connors, Chelsea (Charlie) Fleck, Bradley (Rachel) Larson, Callie Ruohomaki, Taylor (Travis) Truskowski, Jeremy (Aubrey) Bell, Kenny (Kendra) Larson and Jason (Leah) Bell along with 8 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding Bill in death are his parents, his loving wife Judy, daughters Cheryl Larson and Lori-Ann Bell, son Billy Larson, son-in-law Brian Debski, daughter-in law Loralee Larson, brother Paul Larson, sisters-in-law Fay Larson and Doris Salminen and brothers-in-law John and Jack Salminen.

Graveside services and a celebration of life with be held in the spring.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude and thanks to the staff at Mill Creek for their wonderful friendships, support, and care of Bill over the last 4 years. They also want to thank the staff at U.P. Home Health & Hospice for their care and grace during the past few months.

Bill’s memorial page may be viewed at www.koskeyfuneralhome.com.