William Leroy Friedli

IRONWOOD, Mich. - William Leroy Friedli, 89, of Bruce Crossing, passed away Sept. 29, 2018, at home with family by his side.

"Bill" was born on May 3, 1929, in Bergland, son of the late Christopher and Elsie (Blankenberg) Friedli. He graduated from Bergland High School.

Bill served in the Korean War form 1950 to 1952. During this time he received numerous decorations, which included the expert marksmanship badge, combat infantryman badge and the Korean Service Medal, with two Battle Service Stars. He was a member of the American Legion Post 562.

On Nov. 25, 1961, in Bruce Crossing, he was married to Mariann Rolston.

He last worked for Lane Northwest and retired in 1991.

Bill always had a passion of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with his friends and family. During his retirement he actively participated in the Ontonagon Valley Sportsman's Club.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mariann; his sister, Marie (Paul) Doty, Minneapolis, Minn .; daughter, Debra (Scott) Smith, Fort Worth, Texas, and son, John (Diana) Friedli, Ironwood; grandchildren, Christine Smith, Andy (Angel) Hmielewski, Michelle (Patrick) Carstarphen, Nicole (Andrew) Butterfield, Scott Smith, Samantha Friedli, Haley Smith, Cory, Angel, Trevor and Emmet and great grandchildren, Daniel, Amelia, Charlie, Eleanor and Sylvie.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Northwest Wisconsin Cancer Center and the Regional Hospice Services for their care and compassion during his illness, Dr. Villanueva and his nurse, Holly, for always being there for him over the years, and a heartfelt thank you to Bill's long-time fishing partner, Art Juntunen; your help during his final days will not be forgotten.

Out of respect for Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A celebration of life will be held for family and friends in June 8, 2019, at the Bergland Township Park.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family.

For more information or to give online condolences, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.