Bill Culhane

William Harley "Bill" Culhane, age 78, passed away on August 29, 2025, in Hale, Michigan. Born on November 7, 1946, in Flushing, Michigan, Bill lived a life marked by hard work, creativity, and deep devotion to his family.
Throughout his life, Bill wore many hats with pride and dedication. He spent years training and transporting racehorses-a passion that reflected his love for animals and the outdoors. He also worked at Buick Motors for many years, contributing to Michigan's proud automotive legacy. In addition to these pursuits, Bill cared for dairy cows and operated a successful landscaping business alongside his beloved wife Wanda Lee Culhane. His work ethic was unwavering and his talents were many.
Bill's hands were rarely still. He found joy in music and expressed his creativity through woodworking, wood carving, and copper work. Riding Harley motorcycles brought him a sense of freedom and adventure that he cherished. His workshop was a special place where he not only created but also shared-passing down skills to younger generations with patience and pride. He loved inviting the grandkids into his shop, handing them scrap wood to paint or build whatever their imaginations could dream up.
Family was at the heart of everything Bill did. He was a loving husband to Wanda Lee Culhane and a devoted father to daughters Maria Lynn Fowler (Scott) and Michelle Lynn Beesley and son William Howard Culhane. Though he mourned the loss of his son William Howard Culhane and son-in-law Mark Allen Beesley, he carried their memories with him always.
Bill's legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Amber Fowler; Stephanie Bassi (Chase); Kyle Fowler (Emily); Chelsee Culhane (Robert); Ryan Fowler (Karli); Shyanne Williams; Carlee Hill; William Culhane (Alivia); Chloee Culhane; Maycee Culhane; and Brody Culhane. His great-grandchildren-Lilly, Vincent, Zaydin, Isiah, William, Alayiah, Wyatt, Emery, Noah, Deacon and Ivy- they all brought him immense joy.
He is also remembered by his sister Nancy Hoag as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who held him dear. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Doris Culhane and sisters Dorothy Elizabeth Brandon and Patricia Ann Kunc; his son William Howard Culhane and son-in-law Mark Allen Beesley.
Bill was more than just a man of many trades-he was a teacher of life skills who led by example. Whether showing his daughters how to fix a car, taking his children and grandchildren fishing or encouraging the grandchildren's creativity in the workshop, he gave freely of his time and knowledge. His pride in his family was evident in every story he told and every smile he shared.
May the memory of William Harley "Bill" Culhane bring comfort to all who knew him and carry forward the values he lived by: love for family, pride in one's work, generosity of spirit, and joy in simple pleasures.