William H. Sliger

MARQUETTE, Mich. - William Henry Sliger, 86, of Trout Creek, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2016, in Marquette, in the loving, comforting care of his wife, Myra, and the caregivers of Lake Superior Hospice.

Born Jan. 14, 1930, in Trout Creek, a son of Fred and Lauretta (Aslin) Sliger, his ancestry included French Canadian, Irish and Ojibwa. Bill was raised in Trout Creek and graduated from high school there. He entered the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Trout Creek and married the former Doris Falardeau. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he enrolled at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in geological engineering. The couple moved to Montana where Bill began a long career with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. They later relocated to the state of Washington where Bill was involved in working on the Grand Coulee Dam for the balance of his career.

Doris and Bill were very loving and devoted parents to their five children. Doris preceded Bill in death in 1983. In November 1987, Bill married Myra Mason in Spokane, Wash. Bill retired in 1992 and in retirement performed engineering consulting services for various companies. In 1993, Bill and Myra moved to Trout Creek where they were both actively involved in their township and community. Bill volunteered his engineering expertise to serve as engineer for the reconstruction of the Trout Creek Dam.

During the last 20 years, the couple traveled throughout the country extensively. Bill was an avid reader of mostly non-fiction and loved the history of the Trout Creek area, its homesteads, people and the wonderful memories from his childhood that they evoked. Both Bill and Myra, a contract botanist by profession, loved the outdoors and all that nature had to offer. Being in the woods, hunting, fishing, hiking, studying vegetation and enjoying the solitude of the beautiful surroundings were moments to be treasured. In his leisure, Bill also enjoyed following current events, sports, gardening, improving his talented cooking abilities and caring for his animals, dogs, cats and chickens. Throughout the years, he made several improvements on his rural property and was very proud of his Trout Creek home, especially enjoying the summer visits of his children and grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife of 28 years, Myra, of Trout Creek; his children, Mary (Brad) Benson, of Oregon, Suzy (Ron) Spangler, of Wyoming, William (Kathy) Sliger, Jeff (Julie) Sliger and Doug Sliger, all of Washington; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Nancy Aho-Fugate, of Iron River; brothers, Charles (Sharlene) Sliger, of Covington, Fred (Priscilla) Sliger, of Trout Creek, and John "Jack" Sliger, of Big Bay; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, and first wife, Doris, Bill was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Mel Aho and Dave Fugate; and sisters-in-law, Helen Sliger and JoAnn Sliger.

Honoring Bill's request, no services will be held.

Memorials may be directed to Lake Superior Hospice Association, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online.