Brendan R. Williams Sr., age 91, currently residing at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, returned to his Lord Wednesday morning June 18, 2008. 

Brendan was born May 10, 1917 to Roger and Leah (Laviolette) Williams.  Brendan graduated from St. Joseph High School and attended Marquette University, participating in their football program. Brendan married Margaret Fragile in 1938.  She passed away in 1986 after 48 years of marriage.  In 1987, Brendan married Dorothy (Menard) Tellefsen.  Dorothy preceded him in death in 1994.  Mr. Williams was a combat infantry man in WWII and a Purple Heart Veteran.  He was a member of the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Organizations.  He worked in food sales and for the Railway Express.  For the next 22 years, Brendan was employed by the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1982.  Brendan also was a longtime member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church.  Brendan “RED” was widely known for his lifelong love of trapping and he was a former member of the Trapper’s Association.  He said he was never happier than when he was in the woods.

Brendan was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Leah, wives, Margaret and Dorothy, his brother Roger (Donna) Williams Jr., sisters Elizabeth “Betty” Mintz and Miriam (John) Baribeau, daughter Mary Margaret Williams and his great granddaughter McKenna Leah Lorenz.

Brendan is survived by his sons, Michael B. (Pat) Williams and Brendan R. Williams Jr., daughter, Harriet (Ron) Spieth, 11 grandchildren, Brendan R. Williams III, Corey Williams, Justin Williams, Michael (Lynn) Williams Jr., Melissa Williams, Irene (Darwin) Gager, Michael Spieth, Marge Spieth, Ron J. (Jeanette) Spieth, Matthew (Anne) Spieth and Jennifer (Gary) Lorenz.  He is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, Nicholas, Amanda and Mara Keller, Allison Gager, Jeffrey, Amie, Leah, Christopher and Erin Spieth, Tanner Lorenz, Chasey, Kieley and Vivian Williams.  In addition, Brendan is survived by his brother Marlin (Helen) Williams, nieces, nephews, step children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Brendan’s family will receive friends on Monday from 1:00PM to 3:30PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation, at 4:00PM, at the St. Thomas Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Corey Litzner officiating.  Luncheon will follow in the St. Thomas Parish Hall.  Military rites honoring Brendan will be conducted Tuesday morning, at 10:00AM, at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, by the Delta County Veteran’s Council.  Committal rites will follow.  The Williams family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Jude’s Adult Foster Care and the Bishop Noa Home.  The proficient and caring manner they bring to their work is a special gift, both for residents and their families.  (“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for some have entertained angels unaware” Hebrews 13:2)  The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Williams Family with arrangements.