William Dupras

PORTAGE, MI- In the early morning hours on April 11, 2025, Bill Dupras thought it was a perfect time to head to a new fishing hole he heard many stories about. Lush green trees, pristine water perfect for trout, peace and tranquility.

After a very long, courageous battle with numerous health problems it was time to leave and find respite.

William was born in Marquette, Michigan on February 27, 1947 to Francis (Pee Wee) and Evelyn (Battisfore) Dupras. He attended St. John’s Elementary and Jr. High until his love of football took him to Marquette Senior High School. He was a proud member of the graduation class of 1965. The first class to graduate from the new high school. GO REDMEN!

Upon graduation, Bill attended NMU and joined the US Navy in August 1967. He attended Quartermaster school in Rhode Island and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii aboard the USS Carpenter DD 825. This took him twice into battle during the Vietnam war. This ship was one of the recovery ships of Apollo 11 when the men landed on the moon.

Bill played LOTS of baseball in his childhood years. His dad coached many of his teams and as an adult he ended his career playing in the Keg League at the Tourist Park. He loved sports and continued to coach his children in baseball and hockey. One of his highlights was coaching his son’s hockey team to win the Jr C Nationals in St. Louis, Missouri.

Bill was honored to serve as President of Marquette Junior Hockey for a term.

Upon discharge from the Navy, Bill joined the USPS Postal Service and worked in many different capacities. He ended his career in 2002 as Postmaster of the Ishpeming, Michigan office after 36 years of service.

Bill married Joan Kay Kjellander and together they made their home in Marquette, Michigan where they raised their three children on the shores of Lake Superior. They spent many hours at the family camp in Big Bay, Michigan on Lake Independence.

Upon retirement, Bill and Joan built their dream home (log cabin) on Sundog Lake, Republic, Michigan. They enjoyed hosting many family get-togethers and Sundog Lake Association meetings/fishing contests for twenty plus years. They were active members of Bethany Lutheran Church.

Retirement allowed many vacations. They spent winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama for twelve years and now at their home in Morningside Estates, Dade City, Florida.

In 2021, Bill and Joan started a new chapter in their lives. They became “TROLLS” and moved to the Lower Peninsula to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan Kay Kjellander. His son Robby (Bronwyn) Dupras of Victoria, BC, son Christopher (Tiffany) Dupras and their children Gabriel and Kathryn of Oxford, MI, a daughter Amanda (Jeffrey) Richard of Portage, MI and their daughters Halie Dionne and Ashleigh Richard of Kalamazoo, MI. Their foreign exchange student, Dorottya Lengyel-P’link’s of Budapest, Hungary.

Also surviving are: a sister, Patricia Ann (Michael) Thoma of Big Bay, MI, brother-in-law Roger Kamp of Iron Mountain, MI, sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Bruce Herro) Richfield, WI, Sharon (Alan) Mays of Elkhart, IN, Shirley Frischmann of Mesa, AZ. Numerous nieces and nephews who were ALL special to Bill.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, infant son Ricky, brother-in-law Jerry Frischman, sister-in-law Carol Quinnell, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donations may be made in William’s (Bill) name to Marquette Jr. Hockey, 401 E Fair Ave, Marquette, MI 49855 or Bethany Lutheran Church, 110 Poplar Street, Republic, MI 49879.

A celebration of his life will be held at later time.

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