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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Houghton, MI – William J. Polkinghorne, 78, passed away on Wednesday evening, May 29, 2024 after a heart attack.
Bill was born in Hancock and married his high school sweetheart 57 years ago. He raised three children in Laurium and then moved to Houghton in 2007. Bill is survived by his wife Coral (maiden name Beiring); his sons: Chad (Karen), Casey (Anne), Cale; and 5 grandchildren: Bray, Elise, Nora, Ava, Casey. He is preceded in death by his brother, Tommy; and parents, Earl and Betty.
A plaque in his house reads, “Family is the Greatest Gift” and he lived by that credo. A proud American, he had an affinity for American history and a deep appreciation for the U.S. military. He had a great sense of humor with an endless number of preposterously true stories to share like being struck by lightning. In recent years, his passions included volunteering at Evangel Community Church, having lunch with friends every day, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Bill graduated from Hancock High School in 1964 and then Northern Michigan University with BS, MA, and Ed.S. degrees in Education. He had a rewarding 40-year career at Houghton-Portage Township Schools as Superintendent, Principal, and sixth grade teacher. He also served as a Director at Michigan Technological University’s Summer Youth Program for over ten years.
A showing will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 2-5 pm followed by a service at Evangel Community Church in Houghton
