Obituary: William Fezzey

As received from the Pearce Funeral Home:

Rabbit Bay: William James Fezzey, 68, of Rabbit Bay, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 13, 2020. He was born in Ontonagon on March 22, 1952, a son of Elmer and Helen (Bender) Fezzey.

Bill was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, and coach. Survived by the love of his life, best friend, and wife for the past 47 years, Patricia (Croteau) Fezzey, his loving sons, Aaron and Richard Fezzey, his adoring daughter-in-law, Hilary (Niemela) Fezzey, his favorite girl in the whole world, his granddaughter, Claudia Fezzey, his wonderful brothers and sister-in-law, Dick Fezzey and John and Nancy (Fortier) Fezzey, his delightful brothers- and sisters-in-law, Kay (Croteau) and Steve Pragacz, Jake and Kathy (Szaroletta) Croteau, Carol (Croteau) and Mark Anderson, Jim Croteau and Joanna, numerous caring nieces and nephews, his warmhearted teaching and coaching colleagues, and an incredible, amazing community of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Helen (Bender) Fezzey.

Bill attended the Ontonagon Area Schools, where he excelled at basketball. He won the 1970 Karl Funke Award for the most valuable senior basketball player in the Copper Country Conference. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Northern Michigan University. He found his calling as a teacher and coach and loved working with students. He was a teacher and coach for the Houghton-Portage Schools for more than forty years. He married his wife, Pattie, on June 24, 1972. They dated since they were fifteen years old. Besides adoring his family and friends, Bill was an avid sports fan. He loved running and playing basketball and golf. He enthusiastically coached all levels of basketball, track, and cross-country. Bill also loved watching sports, especially watching his sons play football during their high school careers and watching basketball, the Michigan Tech Huskies in particular.

Due to current restrictions on public gatherings, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. The Peace Funeral Home in Lake Linden is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at pearcefuneralhome.com