William “Bill” J. Hardwick, age 81,of St. Jacques, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday morning, December 17, 2020 at his home.
Bill was born July 1, 1939 in Rapid River, MI, the son of Clifford and Catherine (Hendricks) Hardwick. He graduated from Nahma High School class of 1958. Bill was united in marriage to Connie Lynn Groleau on October 8, 1960. He was a faithful Christian man, serving as a lector and an usher at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Nahma. Bill was also involved in the Cursillo Movement.
Bill was a member of the Big Bay de Noc School Board. He also coached basketball. He worked as a delivery milkman for the Rapid River Creamery, a woodworker, and a construction worker. He finished his working career at the Alger County Maximum Security Prison. Bill was a member of the Nahma Township Fire Department and served for many years as the fire chief. He also was the Grand Marshall for the Nahma Labor Day Celebration in 2014.
Bill loved music, enjoyed deer hunting, Bingo, going to the Casino, and was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. He also enjoyed the Nahma Arrows. Bill’s grandkids and Great Grandkids were the highlight of his life. He loved watching them play sports.
In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, Connie, Bill is survived by:
Children: Barry (Lori) Hardwick, Becky (Ron) Kniffen, Bruce Hardwick, Jamie (Dawn) Hardwick, Jeremy (Debra) Hardwick, Jacki (Donald) Knoph, Georg (Martina) Middleburg, and Tom Keller.
Sister: Dorothy Wolf
Sister-in-Law’s: Dorothy Hardwick and Yvonne Groleau
21 Grandchildren
35 Great Grandchildren
1 Great Great Grandchild
And Numerous Nieces and nephews.
In addition to his Parents Bill is preceded in death by:
Brothers: James Hardwick and Brother and Sister-in-Law, Richard Stilson and Lorlie Stilson Pilon.
Sister-in-Laws:, Myrna Sonsalla
Brother-in-Law: Rod Groleau, Richard (Judy) Segerstrom, Peter Wolf
Daughter-in-Law: Janean Hardwick
Granddaughter: Staci Hardwick
Family would like to express thanks to the Schoolcraft Hospice Team and a special thank you to his Niece, Lori Sundling, for the special care she provided as his nurse and all who were there to help.
Family will receive friends Sunday, December 20th from 3:00 until 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, December 21st at 10:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Nahma. Proper social distancing and masks are appreciated by the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Gary Abrahamson, Jr. Memory Care Center, in the care of Mary Uelmen 2635 1st Avenue South, Escanaba, MI 49829. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the family.
Claude & Linda McLain - Trenary, MICHIGAN
Our thoughts are with the family.
Jackie Hein - Hustisford, WI
Such a gentle, loving man. I will miss that sweet smile. Wrapping my cousins and Auntie Connie in my arms. Be at peace with our Lord Uncle Bill.
Peter Turek - Orland Park, IL
I am very sorry for your loss, Bill was a very special part of my youth and a good friend. He was always welcoming and generous. Miss you, and God Bless.
MaryBethGroleau - Nahma, Mi
To a wonderful man who loved his family,friends and his faith. Connie, rest. He is now in God’s care. He has left a great legacy.
Michael &Cindy Fox - Elgin , Il
Our thoughts are prayers are with the family, May cousin Billy rest in peace.
Jeanne Nedeau Nedeau - Rapid River, MI
RIP Sweet William. Connie, sending you thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. Love, Jeanne Rae.
Andy and Jamie - Lansing, MI
Becky and family – Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. Sending our love and condolences.
Kayla Elliott - Gladstone , Mi
The heavens have gained such an extraordinary man. My Dad and I remember so many deer stories in your garage, Uncle Bill. Keep a close eye on Aunt Connie and all of your kids and grandkids. See you next time
Joanie Sefcik Grimes - ANDERSON, IN
Connie and family please accept my sincere sympathy in your loss. Always remember your fine family coming into church and enjoyed seeing the two of you on my return to Nahma at the Labor Day celebrations. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dick Seibert - Garden, MI
My wife Elgie and I have known Bill and his family since moving to this area in 2001. Bill, Connie and their children have always ,been so generous in serving their community, Big Bay de Noc school, St. Andrews church, and Marygrove retreat center. Elgie and I always enjoyed working with these folks at Marygrove and faith formation for our local Catholic Churches.
Blessings and condolences to Bill’s great family
Sherri Andrews - Cape Coral, Fl
Bill was a kind, wise man and I so enjoyed working with him. He was humble and always had a good word to say about everyone. He had the best laugh. Loved him❤️ So so sorry for your loss. He talked a lot about you, Connie.
Frances M Pelletier Williams - Harrisburg, PA
I wish I would have been able to spend more time with you and your family. You are dearly loved and will be missed. I lift up prayers to all the loved ones left behind until you are reunited again. May God bless you all with his PEACE.