William Joseph Born

OSHKOSH, Wis. - William Joseph Born, 90, of Oshkosh, formerly of Ontonagon and White Pine, Mich., died peacefully on Aug. 7, 2017, with family by his side.

Bill was born July 12, 1927, in Ontonagon, son of Alvin and Lillian Born. He attended schools in Ontonagon and Big Rapids, Mich., graduating with a degree in accounting. At age 17, he enlisted in the Navy, serving three years on a cruiser and destroyer as Bugler and Quartermaster 3rd Class Petty Officer.

On April 21, 1951, he married Joan Tinsler in Big Rapids. In 1953, they moved to Ontonagon and the following year to White Pine. He worked for the White Pine Copper Company, retiring in January of 1989 as Director of Industrial Relations and Community Services.

He was a member of the Nonesuch Legion Post, serving as Adjutant and Commander. In 1974, he initiated the first Legion Fourth of July Parade and community activities. He was a member of St. Jude Parish in White Pine. While at White Pine Copper Company, he was co-sponsor of the Lake Copper Toastmasters Club and served two years as International Area Governor.

After purchasing a cottage (affectionately known as the "Shack") on beautiful Lake Superior in 1960, the family would spend many summers enjoying the beach and creating memories at their cabin on the lake. He liked to go fishing with his sons on Lake Superior in their little 14-foot boat.

In February 2001, he and Joan moved to Oshkosh to be near their two sons, Michael and Eric. While living at Heritage Court, he quickly became known for his wit and humor. He especially enjoyed going for coffee early each morning at Mike's Restaurant, where he'd meet with his friends to start the day. He was a member of the Most Blessed Parish in Oshkosh.

Surviving are four sons, Michael (Christiane), of Fond du Lac, Glenn (Caroline), of Fort Worth, Texas, Robert (CoraLee), of Goodman, Mo., and Eric (Rene), of Winchester; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren, most of whom were on hand to help "Grandpa" celebrate his 90th birthday recently.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife; an infant sister, Therese; and two sons, Stephen and Christopher.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 2, at St. Jude Catholic Church in White Pine, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Internment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Rockland, Mich. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to your favorite charity in Bill's memory.

The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.