William L. Heilig

IRONWOOD, Mich. - William L. Heilig, 90, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, with his family at his side, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 17, 1925, raised in Lower Michigan, and came to Ironwood in 1946. Bill, along with his wife, Doreen, founded Doreen's Antiques on Lake Street in Ironwood, operating the business for more than 40 years. After Doreen's passing in 2005, Bill continued to operate Doreen's Antiques until his death. He also worked in the Peterson Mine for 20 years and retired from Nasi Contruction Co. in 1987 after 18 years of service.

Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ironwood. An avid bowler in his earlier years, he bowled in Range area leagues at the Sport Bowl in Ironwood. He also played baseball and was an avid deer and small game hunter. He was a big Detroit Tigers fan.

Bill is survived by nine children, Darlene (Donald) Borgaro, Judith (Duane) Rivard, Geraldine Boring, John (Marie) Seymour, Bob (Espie) Seymour, Jim (Marlene) Seymour, Kenneth (Sandy) Seymour, Penny (Jim) Kallas and Bonnie (Bryan) Brown; 11 siblings, Catherine (James) Stewart, Genevieve (John) Mittoff, Beatrice (Irvin) Drake, Nicholas Heilig, Winifred (Glen) Sageman, Wilfred (Patricia) Heilig, Gerald (Fran) Heilig, Jeanette Heilig, Harold (Madelin) Heilig, Lucille (Ken) Hintz and Regina (Gerald) Koglin; 28 grandkids; and many, many great- and great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind Jose Tinaco, a special friend and employee for more than 38 years.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Margaret Heilig; his wife of nearly 50 years, Doreen Heilig; mother-in-law, Freda Gerry; his first family, Ina (Haapala) and children Dennis, Sandra, Linda and Keith; and nine siblings, Paul Heilig, Nona Harris, Clarence Heilig, Marcus Heilig, Gertrude Cervany, Ralph Heilig, Bernard Heilig, Benjamin Heilig and Margaret Peyok.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Monday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 301 E. Aurora St., in Ironwood, with Dr. Jack Fashbaugh, Lay Pastor, officiating.

Committal and interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

Lunch will be served at the Elk & Hound on Country Club Road in Ironwood upon return from the cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.