William "Billy" Larson

Escanaba / Munising

William “Billy” R. Larson, age 51, of Escanaba and formerly of Munising, died Monday, November 17, 2025 in Masonville Township as the result of an automobile accident. He was born in Munising on September 5, 1974. He grew up in Munising and was raised by his mother Deborah Larson and his grandfather William Larson. Billy attended school at Superior Central and held a record on the track team for many years. He started working when he was a teenager washing dishes at The Bread Basket in Munising. He earned his certificate as a builder’s apprentice and his career progressed from there. Billy was employed by Hiawatha Log Homes, 41 Lumber, he opened and operated Fish’n Fellers Bait Shop, did roofing jobs, and collected scrap metal. Billy was a handyman that could build about anything. He worked for many years as an independent contractor. Billy could never sit still and was constantly tinkering with something. If he wasn’t working, he was taking apart and on old engine to repair it, stripping the nuts, bolts, and wheels from something that he could use down the road, or building wooden wells that people were always buying from him. In his younger years, Billy raced snowmobile and loved to drag race. He later shared that love of racing with his son Cole. One of the motors Billy built made it into a mechanic’s magazine and the motor raced at the World Championship Derby Complex in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Billy also loved to fish, especially ice fishing. He loved to be able to share his catch with those who didn’t catch any or who could no longer get out to fish.

Billy is survived by his mother – Deborah (Tony Grady) Larson-Graves; wife – Angel Larson of Chatham; children – Amanda Steinhoff of Munising, Desiree (Conrad Dzanbozoff) Girand of Escanaba, and Cole Larson of Chatham; grandchildren – Kendra, Kenzie, Naomi, and Sorin; brother – Bob (Ashley) Larson of Escanaba; nephews – Alex and Corbin; lifelong friends – Brian Cockrell and Bill Depotty; close friend and mentor – John Carroll; and sidekick – Pickels the Boston terrier. He was preceded in death by his Pa – William Larson; grandma – Patricia Flannery; G.G. – Virginia Depotty, and step-father – Ronald P. Graves.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Barge Inn in Munising from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.