William "Bill" G. Rautanen, Sr.

William “Bill” G. Rautanen, Sr., age 79, of Nugent Lake died following a lengthy illness on Monday, April 3, 2023 at UPHS Marquette.  He was born on July 15, 1943 in Munising, Michigan to Arne and Eva (Root) Rautanen.  Bill grew up in Melstrand and Munising and was a member of the Wm. G. Mather High School Class of 1961.  Bill served in the U.S. Army from January 10, 1962 until June 10, 1964.  He served most of his time in Alaska and Korea before returning home.  Bill married Phyllis Snyder and together had five children.  He spent his working career at Kimberly Clark and retired as a millwright.  Bill married Judy (McCollum) Gilbert on October 24, 1992.  Together they enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling.  Bill was a member of the American Legion and spent many years on the Honor Guard.  He enjoyed fishing, picking blueberries, and hunting for agates.

Bill is survived by his wife of thirty years – Judy Rautanen; children – William “Will” (Lillian) Rautanen, Jr., Marla Rautanen, Travis Rautanen, Amber (Brian) Stankovich, Ginger (Eric Segerdahl) Rautanen, Heather Curry, Dawn Gilbert, and Terra Denner; seventeen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren with four on the way; brothers – Arne (Shirley) Rautanen, David (Sandy) Rautanen, Mike (Paula) Rautanen; sisters – Marilyn (Ed) Morrison and Arlene (Doug) Sertich; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Arne and Eva, brother Robert, grandchildren Janeé, Memphis, and Angelina; and great-grandchild Addilynn.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the Bowerman Funeral Home and the American Legion Post #131 in Munising.  Visiting time with family and friends will be at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m.  Pastor Jason LaFlamme will conduct Bill’s memorial service at 2:00 p.m  Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion and Vietnam Veterans Honor Guard at 3:00 p.m.   A fellowship gathering will follow at the Legion.