In loving memory of

WILLIAM H. "BILL" WEAVER
July 22, 1939 - July 7, 2022

William H. "Bill" Weaver, 82, of Chocolay Township, died Thursday morning, July 7, 2022 at UP Health System-Marquette.

Bill was born on July 22, 1939 in Lansing, Michigan, a son of the late William Q. and Mildred M. (Hart) Weaver. He was a 1957 graduate of Lansing Eastern High School and then proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from November 1957 through November 1961. He was stationed at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base after serving overseas in Korea. It was there where his love of the Upper Peninsula was born.

Bill was a former partner in Nystrom's Moving and Storage Company in Marquette from 1962 through 1968. He and his family then moved back to Lansing where he joined Auto Owner's Insurance, serving as an adjustor from 1968 - 1972. Returning to Marquette he became a partner with Howard Larson in the insurance agency that eventually became Larson Hetrick and Weaver. Bill was associated with that entity until his retirement in 1999, a career that spanned 27 years.

Bill was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church, belonged to the Marquette Masonic Lodge, Ahmed Temple Shrine, Marquette Noon Kiwanis Club, and was a longtime member of the Northern Michigan University Development Fund board and served one term as president. He was also a former board member of Beacon House and Child and Family Services.

In his retirement, Bill enjoyed spending time at White Birch Lodge on Big Chief Lake in Republic, Michigan, clearing trails and maintaining his property as a tree farm. He enjoyed spending many hours in his workshop at the lodge. He treasured spending time with his grandchildren exploring the woods, fishing, hunting, and working in his workshop. One of his more memorable moments was going out on the ice to teach his grandchildren ice safety and then promptly fell through the ice.

He had a great love for his dogs including Penny, who was always by his side.

Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Anne Heffner whom he married on August 8, 1959 in Lansing; two children, Brian (Lenore Angeli) Weaver of Big Rapids, MI and Kelly (David) Purmal of Merrill, WI; five grandchildren, Samantha and Gina Rose, Norman (Abby), Matthew (Currie), and Katie and her fiancé, Drew; two great grandchildren, Ryan and Hadley; one sister, Nancy Kauma of Chassell, MI; several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death besides his parents was a brother, Robert and a sister, Katie Walker.

The Weaver family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, July 25th at Messiah Lutheran Church beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 12 noon in the church with Rev. Molly Eversoll and Rev. Andrew Plocher officiating. A luncheon will take place in Magnuson Hall in the church immediately following the service.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude for the compassionate care provided to Bill during his stay at UP Health System-Marquette.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic St., Marquette, MI 49855.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Weaver family where memories of Bill may be shared at canalefuneral.com.

Tributes

Shawn Longtine wrote on Aug 15, 2022:

"This message is for Bill's wife, son and daughter (entire family including grandchildren) I have know Bill since I was 6 years old, that was 48 years ago. He is an amazing person that I will truly miss. My last dinner with him I cooked him a New York strip steak at his camp in Upper Michigan on the grill. Bill sat in a lawn chair a few feet from and gave me his usual wonderful stories and as always his incredible love for life and how much he enjoyed camp and a good steak with friends. I will never forget Bill and pray that someday I will join him in heaven. I spent many, many years going to the same church he did, Messiah Lutheran and we shared our love for God together. Bill, I love you and hope to see you soon my friend and mentor! Respectfully, E. Shawn Longtine"

Ray Jarvis wrote on Jul 24, 2022:

"Dear Anne, Brian, and Kelly, I was sorry to read of Bill's passing. I hope that the many good memories you have of all your years together will sustain you now and in the future.. I feel your pain. God's peace, Ray Jarvis"

bob gorsuch wrote on Jul 14, 2022:

"Despite not being able to visit with Bill for over 40 years, the fond memories of many fun times with Bill and Anne will remain forever. God bless. Bob Gorsuch"

John Dahlke wrote on Jul 12, 2022:

"Condolences to Anne and family. Bill was a very close friend for over 50 years. Many happy memories will be with us forever. John and Susi Dahlke"

Susan Brian wrote on Jul 11, 2022:

"Sending lots of hugs & great memories of Bill. Best Wishes- Susan ( Frenn) Brian"

Keitha VerPlanck wrote on Jul 11, 2022:

"Dear Anne: It was with deep regret to learn of Bill's death. I hope that you and family had a good life to remember Bill. Keitha VerPlanck"