Escanaba, MI
William Benjamin Jewell, age 81, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at his home in Escanaba.
Bill was born August 14, 1933, in Ishpeming, MI, the son of Benjamin and Clara (Prout) Jewell. He was raised in Negaunee and was a 1951 graduate of Negaunee High School. Following high school, Bill enrolled at Northern Michigan University where he attended until enlisting in the United States Army, serving from 1954 to 1956. Upon his honorable discharge, Bill returned to Negaunee and continued his education at N.M.U. On June 28, 1958, Bill was united in marriage to the former Marjorie Mankee, in Negaunee, and together the couple relocated to Worthington, MN where Bill was employed as a social worker in Nobles County. After six years in Minnesota, Bill and Marjorie returned to Michigan. Bill then enrolled at University of Michigan where he completed his Masters Degree in social work before moving to Escanaba where they have remained since. Bill was employed for the Michigan Department of Social Services, eventually working as the zone manager of the Upper Peninsula, before his retirement following thirty one years of service. Bill was a longtime member of the Escanaba Golden K, the Escanaba Elks #354 and Escanaba Post #82 American Legion. He will be deeply missed.
In addition to his loving wife, Marjorie, Bill is survived by:
Son: David (Angi) Jewell of Charlotte, MI
Daughters: Janice (John) Viera of Howey-in-the-Hills, FL
Cheryl (Bill) Smith of Escanaba, MI
Grandchildren: Jana and Colin Smith, Maggie and Olivia Jewell, Mallory and John Viera
Brothers in law: Wesley (Kathy) Mankee of Marquette, MI
Ray (Janet) Mankee of Marana, AZ
Sisters in law: Nancy Mankee of Ishpeming, MI
Pat Mankee of Menominee, MI
Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Clara:
Sisters: Evelyn Bawks and Earlamond Pollreisz
Bill
Al Covell
May your soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon you, Bill.
Nancy McIntyre - Iron Mountain, MI
To the Jewell Family: I am so very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was such a special man and I know that he will be missed so much by you and all of his friends and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rev. Gerald S Hunter, New Hudson United Methodist Church
Janice . . . so sorry to hear about your father. I remember him from when we lived in the UP and I managed Ponderosa where you were a cashier. The cycle of life sometimes brings hurt, but the hurt itself is born of love.
Vocatus atque non vocatus, deus aderit.
Lori Bolm
Dear Marg and family – I was so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. Having worked with Bill at the church for so many years, I found him to be the most genuine and kindest of men. It was always a pleasure to be work with him. Marg, you and all your family have my heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. May God bless you and uplift you.Love, Lori (and Bob)