Dr. William Asselin

He was born on May 3, 1938, in the Penn Hospital in Norway, the son of the late William and Anna (Massa) Asselin Sr.

Bill attended Norway schools from kindergarten until his graduation from Norway High School in 1956.

He served Mass under Fr. Maier for several years until graduation and spent several summers working at Asselin Creamery Co.

In the fall of 1956, Bill enrolled in pre-dental courses at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He graduated from Dental School with a Doctorate of Dental Science in 1962. After passing the boards and obtaining his Michigan and Wisconsin dental license, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force, as a dentist in Duluth, Minn. and in Puerto Rico, proudly from June 1962 until September 1966.

Bill opened his dental practice in Dr. Loren Johnson’s office building until November of 1993, when he retired.

Bill married Gloria Murray on Sept. 8, 1990, at St. John Neuman Church in Spalding. They lived in the Powers-Spalding area from 1990 until 1999, when they moved back to Norway. She preceded him in death on June 24, 2019.

Late in 2019, he started seeing his high school friend Darlene (Arnoldi) Willman, and they married on Aug. 29, 2020.

Bill enjoyed spending winters in Sun City, Ariz. since 1994.

He was very active in organizations spending almost 40 years associated with Holy Spirit School in Norway, almost all of those on the school board; 50 plus years as a member of the Vulcan-Norway-Loretto Lions Club and enjoying every minute of it, having various roles, serving as chairman of the Farmer of the Year program for several years. He was also active in Leader Dogs of the Blind.

Bill was also a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and former member of the Norway Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; her two sons, Todd and Michael Willman; sister, Sharon Shannon; stepchildren, Liz Murray, Ann Marie Rappette, Rick Murray and Tom (Nancy) Murray; and special grandson, Chris (Laura) LeBombard and Polo, the Leader Dog.

Bill was preceded in death by a stepdaughter Catherine Baker.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the church with Fr. Marty Flynn, officiating.

Interment will be held at the Norway Township Cemetery.

Condolences to the family of Bill may be expressed online at www.ortmanfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements announced by the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.