William DeShambo

Bill was born on August 2, 1938, at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, Michigan to Ellsworth “Wardy” and Catherine (Eugate) DeShambo. He was raised in Arnold at DeShambo Headquarters Camp, where he developed the strong work ethic, ingenuity, independence, and deep love of the woods that defined his life. While still in grade school he moved briefly to Escanaba with his family when they owned and operated Wardy’s Bar in Northtown before moving “back to the woods.”

Bill worked in the woods alongside his family before proudly serving four years in the United States Navy. After his service, he returned home to Arnold, where he settled down and raised his four children in the home he, his parents, his brother, and his wife built together. Arnold remained the center of Bill’s life and the place he was always meant to be.

Bill later retired from Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company at the age of 45, but retirement never slowed him down. He continued working at his sawmill and helping DeShambo Forest Products and local logger friends scout timber sales, build roads, and haul loads with the log trucks. Bill was happiest when he was busy, outdoors, and helping someone solve a problem.

Bill also enjoyed stock car racing at local tracks during his younger years. With his brother Jerry serving as his chief mechanic, he spent several seasons behind the wheel. One of his favorite racing memories became family legend: after rolling his car during fair week in front of the season’s largest crowd, Bill and Jerry worked through the night repairing it and returned the following evening to win the feature race. Years later, after stepping away from racing, his sons surprised him by building him another race car. In a fitting chapter to his racing career, Bill returned to the track after many years away and won his very first race back.

A true craftsman and problem solver, Bill could build or repair nearly anything. Using lumber from his own sawmill, he built his beloved log cabin himself, even cutting out the windows and crafting the front door with his power saw. If something was needed, Bill found a way to make it. Family members still laugh about the homemade air conditioner he engineered from a car radiator, a box fan, garden hoses, and pure determination.

The warmth of Bill’s life extended far beyond the cook wood stove that kept his cabin cozy. Nearly every day he could be found cutting firewood for exercise and heat or welcoming visitors with a glass of Homemade Wine or a Cold Beer. People stopped by often because Bill always seemed to have exactly the part, tool, or wisdom someone needed.

Bill never met a stranger. If he met you once, he wanted to “get your story,” and somehow would remember your name, your family, and even the color shirt you were wearing. When he received

his diagnosis, through tears he told the doctor that he had spent his life taking care of the Community helping anyone along the highways and byways who needed it. What troubled him most was not his illness, but the thought that he would no longer be here to help people. Those who knew Bill know that was absolutely TRUE.

He especially loved simple adventures; camping with the camper on the back of his truck, riding four-wheelers through the woods, and exploring new places off the grid. Primitive campsites, abandoned campgrounds, gravel pits, or an unused road in the middle of nowhere suited him just fine. The simpler the better. Family members often teased him that “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs seemed to read “Welcome” to him.

To those closest to him, Bill was not only a father, grandfather, partner, and friend, but also a teacher and mentor. The wisdom he shared through everyday life was invaluable. He had a way of getting everyone out of any “jam” even if he was usually the one who got them into it in the first place. Life with Bill was filled with stories, laughter, lessons, and adventures that will be treasured forever.

The family often joked that while most people are assigned one guardian angel, Bill surely had an entire team working overtime to keep up with his shenanigans. They would laugh that when most people pass away, their guardian angels are reassigned. Bill’s angels had earned retirement. In his final hours, prayers were spoken telling him that his guardian angels were waiting to carry him home to Heaven. After a lifetime of keeping up with him, they were probably worn out too.

Bill was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Northland, where he served as a greeter and usher and faithfully rang the church bell. Parishioners knew they would be welcomed by Bill’s smile, handshake or hug, and genuine interest in how they were doing. Sunday mass was usually followed by an old-fashioned breakfast with his family.

He also treasured the fellowship of the “Coffee Shack Crew.” Even during the coldest Upper Peninsula mornings, Bill would ride his four-wheeler over to start the fire before the others arrived. The little gathering place became a symbol of friendship, laughter, routine, and community all things he valued deeply.

Bill was deeply loved, and that love surrounded him until the very end. His godson, Casey DeShambo, a physician assistant whom the family trusted deeply for medical guidance, was an important source of support during his illness. At our special request, his goddaughter, Charlotte Groleau, was also able to serve as his hospice nurse, providing comfort and care with loving compassion. Our family would also like to extend its deepest gratitude to the Iron Mountain and Gladstone VA for the excellent care they gave him over the years. Beyond their medical expertise, the staff’s genuine kindness, warmth, respect and welcoming spirit will never be forgotten.

Bill believed in living simply and appreciating life’s blessings. Whether in his prayers before meals, his morning prayers, or his evening prayers, he never forgot to thank God for His beautiful planet. He found joy in simple things: a warm fire, a ride through the woods, a visit

from a friend, and time spent with family. When asked how he was doing, Bill often answered with his trademark phrase, “No bitch,” a humorous reminder that life was too short to spend complaining when there was so much for which to be grateful.

Above all, Bill loved his family. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen (Joe) Coppock and Anne DeShambo; his partner of nearly 31 years, MaryLynn Kiskis; her daughters, Heather Berglund and Brandi (Audra) Kiskis; daughter-in-law Terry Rodock, grandchildren Katie, Andy, Vanessa, Billy, Jacob, and Johnny; step grandchildren, Courtney and Joey, four great-grandchildren; sisters Kathy (Lee) Villeneuve and Barb (Dan Drossart) DeShambo; several loving nieces, nephews, and close friends; and former wife Joan Winters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sons Frank and Bill; and his brother Jerry.

Bill will be remembered for his strong hands, generous heart, humor, ingenuity, deep faith, and the way he made people feel seen and welcomed. The woods, the trails, the Coffee Shack, and the warm cabin fire he kept burning with radio always playing for family and friends will forever carry his memory.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25: 23

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday June 1, 2026, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Liturgical Prayers will be recited at 5:30 pm on Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Northland, MI with Rev. Sebastian Oppong as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Northland with full military honors being conducted by the Escanaba River Post #115 and the U.S. Navy National Guard. A luncheon will be served following the burial at the Wells Township Hall, Arnold, MI.

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The family would be honored if you would share a favorite story, A funny memory, lesson he taught you a small moment that captures who he was or something you will always remember him saying. Please share via Facebook Messenger or email: Anne.deshambo@yahoo.com

The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the DeShambo family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net