William “Bill” Siitar, age 87, of 10047 U.S. 2, Rapid River, MI passed away Thursday November 13, 2008 at the Christian Park Village in Escanaba.

William was born in Negaunee, MI the son William (Vilhelm) and Sophia (Ahlson) Siitar. On September 16, 1944, Bill married Elsie Hill at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Elsie died on April 12, 1993 after 49 wonderful years of marriage. They lived in Stonington on the farm until building a new home in Rapid River on the Whitefish Hill.

On October 24, 1998, Bill married Eleanor Sigfred at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River and they had ten wonderful years of marriage and she survives.

Bill worked in the woods, farmed, K.I Sawyer and retired at the U.S. Forest Service in Rapid River. He was a true handyman and was known for his kindness and helping anyone in need.

Bill is survived by his wife Eleanor, step-daughters Mary Sigfred and JoAnn (Ken) Stone. He is also survived by his niece Joanne (Wayne) Christoff and their children and grandchildren, Leanne (Jim) Bedgood and daughter Breanne, Mark (Bridget) Christoff and their children Addie and Clay, his sister-in-law Catherine (Arnold) Siitar, special friend Ron Sundberg and many cousins and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ina (Henry) Lundberg, brother Arnold (Catherine) Siitar and sister Viola Siitar.

Bill was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church where he was an active member and had served on the church council. He also belonged to NARFE, Kiwanis, Escanaba Masonic Lodge, Delta Shrine and the Rapid River Senior Citizens.

Friends may call at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River from 2:00 to 4:45 PM on Tuesday November 18, 2008. Funeral services will follow at Calvary Lutheran Church at 5:00 PM with Rev. Stephen Gauger officiating. Lunch will follow in the parish hall. Burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Stonington. Memorial contributions in memory of Bill may be directed to the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River, envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes or the Calvary Lutheran Church.