William “Bill” Charlebois, age 97, of Escanaba passed away Thursday, May 8, 2008 at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers.
 
Bill was born April 10, 1911 in St. Mary’s, Idaho to Calixt and Clara (Charboneau) Charlebois. Bill and his family moved to Michigan when he was a child and remained here the rest of his life. Bill was a faithful Catholic and a longtime member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Escanaba. It is there that he married Marieda Hebert on June 10, 1939. Bill and Marieda shared a union of 69 years. Bill worked as a laborer at the Bird’s Eye Veneer Company in Escanaba for 30 years, a janitor at the Ford Garage for 15 years and various odd jobs until he retired at the age of 80. Bill loved music and playing the guitar. He learned how to play the guitar at the tender age of 10. For the last four years he frequented the 8th Street Coffee House with family and friends. He enjoyed both playing and listening to the music. His favorite song was, “True Blue Bill”. Bill was also a mechanic and handyman and liked to tinker. He enjoyed Sundays going to church, breakfast, and afternoon rides. Bill also enjoyed riding his bike to and from work.
 
Including his wife, Marieda, Bill is survived by:

2 Sons: Ken (Lena) Charlebois of Rapid River, MI; Cal (Robin) Charlebois of  Wells, MI

5 Daughters: Dorothy Charlebois of Escanaba, MI; Vicky (Larry) Elie of Escanaba, MI; Joan (John) Clairmont of Bark River, MI; Mary (Rick) Bouchard of Craig, Colorado; Lois (Richard) Wood of Freetown, Indiana

26 Grandchildren, 47 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandson, 1 Sister: Blanche Chenier of Escanaba, MI, Nieces and nephews
 
He is preceded by: His parents, brother-in-law, Gerald Chenier
 
The Charlebois family will receive friends on Monday, May 12 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 13 at 11:30 AM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. A luncheon will be served immediately following services in the church fellowship hall. Bill will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility.