William A. Wilson Sr.

William A. Wilson Sr.

Miskwa-Ajijaak-Inini

(Red Crane Man)

Died March 13, 2026

PESHAWBESTOWN – William Alfred Wilson Sr., 76, of Peshawbestown, left to be with his Creator and loved ones on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Munson Medical Center.

William as born September 21 1949 in Kewadin the son of Nicholas Wilson and Elsie Marks. He a proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and a historical member of the Maangwan Ododeman (Loon Clan).

As a young man he served his country in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne, seeing service during Vietnam. He was a skilled carpenter and mason and could create with his hands and skills. Bill was a strong advocate for tribal fishing rights and also enjoyed being a sportsman himself. He loved fishing and hunting ~ hunting for deer and morel mushrooms.

He loved his Detroit Lions, Tigers and the University of Michigan and enjoyed a good game of bingo. He was an avid bowler and scored a 300 game and enjoyed golfing. Bill's greatest joy was watching his grandkids sports games, dance at Pow-Wows and honor the community as a drummers for events. His grandkids discovered that grandpa would cut out every newspaper article on their school, sports and tribal event and keep them as keepsakes.

William is survived by his six children, Jackie Judson and children, Michael Kashata and children, William (Frances Saukko) Wilson Jr. and children, Jeremy Wilson and children, Daniel Wilson and children, Kateri Wilson and children; his siblings, Christine Wilson, Greg "Peppy" Peplow, Gregory Fish, Matthew Boyagian, Ross Wyatt, Amy Carroll and 30 + grandchildren and great grandchildren and the mother of his children, Arlene Kashata.

He was preceded in death by his parents, partner, Judy Shocko; his siblings, Eugene Wilson, Lillian Garcia, Leonard Wilson, Nick Wilson, Melvin Wilson, Clifford Wilson, Matthew Boyer, Luke Coleman and Daniel Wilson.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17th at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18th, at the Strongheart Center in Peshawbestown. Pastor Delfred "Bunny" Whitecrow will officiate. Burial in the Kewadin Indian Mission Cemetery will be held in the spring.

Please share condolences and memories with Bill's family at www.martinson.info

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.