William Penegor

Twin Lakes/Ontonagon William H. Penegor, resident of Twin Lakes and formerly of Ontonagon, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on December 16th, at Portage Pointe, where he was a resident for the past six months. Bill was born on May 30, 1923 in Greenland, MI, to the late Eva (Trudeau) and Almor Penegor. He graduated from Mass High School in 1940 and served in the U.S. Navy. After marrying Joyce Harnish on September 24, 1952 they resided and helped operate the family farm on Greenland Road for eleven years and then moved to Ontonagon. At that time, Bill joined his three brothers in the family sawmill and logging business in Twin Lakes, which he would be proud to say is still in operation today. Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus and on the Board of Directors of both the Gitchee Gumee Oil Company of Ontonagon and Commercial National Bank of L'Anse. He was also a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rockland and Holy Family Catholic Church in Ontonagon. Two of his favorite pastimes were bowling and golf. He enjoyed many years playing in various leagues. While he was proud of bowling a 299 and winning the Wyandotte Golf Club Championship one year, his biggest joy came from playing endless rounds of golf with his loving wife, family and friends, and passing on the gift of loving the game to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and passed that on to his children as well. Bill and Joyce enjoyed going south to Fort Pierce, FL for the past 25 winters, but he especially loved summers at their cottage in Twin Lakes and the cherished pontoon rides with family and friends. Like his brothers & sisters, Bill had a big infectious smile and a huge caring heart. He had a great ability to make people laugh, and most of the time by just repeating one of his numerous silly phrases or jingles. This might be one of the best gifts of all to his family, with each having their favorite that will always bring a smile to their face and a memory for a lifetime. Surviving are his wife Joyce, of Hancock/Twin Lakes; children Jerry of Painesdale; Almor (Kathy), of Hancock; Andrea (Guy) Longhini of Houghton; and Marcia (Mike) Butvilas of Houghton; Grandchildren Jerry Penegor, Alicia (Kiel) Roeschke, Joe Penegor; Maren (Peter) Rouleau, Alison Penegor, Billy Penegor; Valery Pakkala, Kent Longhini, Brendan Longhini; Michael Vezzetti, Jillian Butvilas, and George Butvilas; Great grandchildren Rease Pakkala, Shaya Pakkala, and Kaelyn Rouleau; sister Jeannette Huotari of Mass City, sisters-in-law Clarice Penegor, Anne Penegor and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his daughter Gay Ann, parents, five brothers; Clyde, John, Arthur, Delbert, James, and five sisters; Elsie, Viola, Evah, Alyce, and Joan. Visitation will be Tuesday evening Dec. 20th from 4-7 p.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church of Houghton. A Christian Mass will be held on Wednesday Dec. 21st at St. Ignatius Church in Houghton at 11 a.m. with Fr. John Martignon to celebrate a visitation one hour prior. The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to Bay Cliff Health Camp, Omega House or the charity of your choice. To view William's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements.