William J. “Bill” Bottesi

He was born July 17, 1950, in Norway, son of the late Amos and Adelaide (DesMarais) Bottesi. Bill attended Norway schools and was a lifelong resident of the area.

Following high school, he subcontracted for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company and Sears for several years, installing appliances. He then took a position with Shopko where he spent over 23 years until retiring.

Bill, or “Popps” as his children and grandchildren knew him, was a talented carpenter and enjoyed woodworking, passing on his endless knowledge with all who shared his passion.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, trapping, and riding his ATV.

Most of all, Bill cherished time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. He would drop anything to be there for a sporting event, help out on the latest home-construction project, meet up for coffee, or take a ride into the great outdoors.

He was so proud of his children’s successes and would light up at the mention of his grandchildren.

Bill’s stories, quick wit, and sense of humor will be missed by all.

He is survived by his children, Naran (Paul) Nikulla of Ellicott City, Md., Bill Bottesi Jr. (Sonja) of Iron Mountain, Joe (Jessica) Bottesi of Iron Mountain, Wendy Bottesi (Nathan) of West Bend, Wis., Rick (Amber) Bottesi of Kingsford, and Bryan (Megan) Bottesi of Iron Mountain; his siblings, Marlene (Frank) Briguglio of Clinton Township, Mich., Darlene Bottesi of Powers, Donna St. Juliana of Hermansville and June Maynard (Bill Beckstrom) of Norway; sister-in-law, June Bottesi of Parumph, Nev., 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was also preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Vernon Bottesi; a sister, Bernadette Martin, and brothers-in-law, John St. Giuliani and Jack Martin.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with funeral services to follow at noon at the funeral home. Pastor Jim Danielson will officiate.

Burial will be in Norway Township Cemetery.

Luncheon at Evangelical Covenant Church in Norway to follow.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of William J. “Bill” Bottesi online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HardCore Scripture Outdoors,1309 Vulcan St., Iron Mountain, MI 49801 or dropped off at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.