William Kenneth Haldane

William Kenneth Haldane of Filion, Michigan, passed away on January 21, 2025 at the age of 87 years old.

Bill (as he was known by everyone) was born on April 18, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to the late William and Edna (Geyer) Haldane. His parents moved to Bad Axe, Michigan when he was just a baby, where he grew up and attended grade and high school. He graduated from the Bad Axe High School in May of 1956 to start his career. Bill loved his sports and was very active in football, basketball, baseball and track while in school. His favorite coach was Claude Marsh.

After graduation, he joined the service in 1957 instead of waiting to be drafted, and was in the Army for 2 years stationed in the US.

He met Shirley Gottschalk while on a hay ride in 1959 and they were married a year later on November 26, 1960. They enjoyed going camping at Port Crescent State Park and vacations with their daughters. Shirley passed away on January 3, 2009 after a long battle with uterine cancer. They were married for 48 years.

About 8 years after Shirley passed away, Bill joined the American Legion group in Port Austin  where he enjoyed being with the members and he also started dancing every Wednesday night and once a month dancing to country music. This was a great change for him which he really enjoyed. He met new friends and danced with some very good dancers. In fact, he was even tempted to start singing as he did a lot of practicing in his shed while listening to his country music CD’s.

Bill also enjoyed fishing, hunting deer and pheasants and golfing. He has quite a few antlers hanging in his shed from the many deer he shot.  He had also raised Brittany dogs for many years.

After working in the area for various manufacturing companies that produced automotive parts, he retired in 1999 and expanded on his interest in wood working in his shed he built at his residence. He crafted many pieces of beautiful furniture for himself and others. He was very good at this trade.

Bill is survived by his special friend Shirley Piontkowski; his daughters Kimberly (Renee) Haldane of WI, Debra (Pete) Fabyan of  Bad Axe, Tricia (Steve) Hromada of Marysville, and Carmen (Tank) Brakenberry of Pigeon; his brother Robert (Sharon) Haldane of Bad Axe; his grandchildren Eric (Jaclyn) Moore, Rebecca (Rick) Schmidt, Christopher (Kath) Kokotilo, Nichole Kokotilo, Gracie and Izzy Prill; 7 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother James Haldane and his son-in-law Gary Moore.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe, from 10:00-11:00 AM. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Kenneth Lueke officiating.

Memorials may be offered to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bill’s name.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com