William ‘Bill’ Hyde
KINGSFORD — William “Bill” Hyde passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 6, 1940, to Albert and Anna Hyde in Dearborn, Michigan. He graduated from Fordson High School in 1958 where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Pancheri. Together they shared 63 years of a beautiful marriage and raised three daughters in Escanaba, Michigan. He attended Eastern Michigan University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education. Bill served Escanaba Area Public Schools as a junior high English teacher and P.E. teacher at several elementary schools.
Bill was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman. As a youth, he excelled in hockey, football, and baseball, leading his teams to victory as the quarterback and southpaw pitcher. Later in life Bill enjoyed fishing the Great Lakes and Canadian waters, hunting with his loyal companion, Sam, and golfing. An excellent cook, Bill enjoyed preparing his catch for family and friends — Friday night fish fries, partridge dinners, and the once-in-a-lifetime squirrel stew. In retirement, Bill and Bonnie enjoyed traveling the United States in their RV and spending time with their grandchildren. Bill’s sense of humor and mischievous nature touched all of those who knew him.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; his daughters, Jennifer (Tom) Wender, Jill (Ron) Waligora, and Judith (Chad) Vitito; his siblings, Robert (Bob) Hyde and MaryAnn Hyde; five grandchildren, Jordan (Dan) Sjoquist, Jessica (Zac) Slabaugh, John Vitito, Jim Vitito, and Jenna Beers; four great-grandchildren, Cameron, Ben, and Abby Sjoquist and Samantha Slabaugh; a sister-in-law, Bernadette Lockenour; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Pancheri.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Anna Hyde; his sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Hyde, Aileen (VanGothem) Pancheri, and Patsy (Pancheri) Romagna; and a brother-in-law, Freddy Romagna.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 24, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Bob Malsack officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Dickinson County Cancer Loan Closet or the First Presbyterian Church.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of William “Bill” Hyde online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Kingsford with the arrangements.