William Kilponen

Bill was born on March 24, 1937 in Hancock, to William Kohlemainen and Ina Kohlemainen. His father was killed in an auto accident and Bill was adopted by Reino Kilponen. Bill attended Hancock High School and after graduation enrolled at Michigan Technological University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Upon graduation, Bill worked for Keikhaefer Marine, later renamed Mercury Marine, in Wisconsin. He married Kathleen Hellman on June 18, 1960 and they relocated to LaCrosse, Wisconsin where he was employed by Trane Corporation. There, Bill worked on large scale air conditioning units for the diamond mines in Africa.

Bill was in the U.S. Navel Reserves where he served as a radio operator.

Bill elected to return to school at Michigan Technological University full time where he received a Masters degree in Business Administration. He was hired by Mead Paper Company in Escanaba. Bill ran the Engineering Department and others including a 100% perfect blue print library that amazed engineering visitors. Bill was honored to be a registered Professional Engineer.

In retirement, Bill was asked to travel to other countries to aid in the manufacturing of paper products. He worked in Poland, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

Bill and Kathy built a home outside of Dollar Bay, Michigan where they remained until moving to Northville, Michigan to be closer to their children.

Bill is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Karen (Robert) Fix, son Ronald (Annie) Kilponen and five grandchildren Nathan and Elliott Fix, Kyle (Sarah), Andrew and Dana Kilponen.

A private family service in remembrance will be held in the summer of 2026.