William J. Mercier III, born into this world as the first son of Ruth and William Mercier, Ladd AirForce Base Fairbanks, Alaska, on September 13, 1955, went home to God on December 8, 2020.
Bill was born into a military family and traveled with his parents to Michigan, Germany, Nevada, Thailand, Ohio, Florida and back to Michigan where he graduated Big Bay de Noc High School.
After graduation, he went into the United States Navy where he served until his honorable discharge, retiring in 1994. Throughout his enlistment, Bill received medals of commendation including, the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Commendation Medal, Meritorious Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Medal, Navy Arctic Service Medal, Southwest Asia and Kuwait Liberation Medals.
Bill was preceded in death by this sister Margaret (Mercier) Jones in 1979, his brother Frank in 1985 and his parents, Ruth in 1991 and William Jr. in 2009.
Bill is survived by his sisters Robin (Julie VanFossem) Breen of North Carolina, Michele (Ron) Larson of Gladstone, MI and Donna (Paul) Beauchaine of Big Bay, MI. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He will be dearly missed as he left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Bill was kind, generous, smart, funny and most of all, generous of himself.
Bill fought so hard to live. He spent the las year of his life in and out of hospitals with family and friends at his side.
Many thanks to the Zablocki VA Hospital in Milwaukee for their devotion to him. Additionally, a heartfelt thanks to the Iron Mountain VA Hospital for their dedication, love and care for Bill these last few months.
Bill was blessed beyond all measure. We miss you Brother and hope to see you again.
Bill will be laid to rest with his parents in the Nahma Cemetery.
Nancy Beck - Escanaba, MI
Dear Mercier Cousins,
I am saddened to learn that William is no longer with us. I shall always fondly remember visiting Uncle Willie and Aunt Laura, as well as your mom and dad in St. Jacques. I cannot fathom losing a sibling, and yet, you have all lost three. My heart is with you during this stressful time.
Love, Cousin Nancy Beck
Donna Beaucjaine - Big Bay, MI
Bill,
I have loved you all my life. You had always been there for me for a call, whisper, encouragement. I will miss you dear brother. You are now at peace with God.
So….when you get there behave yourself.
Your older sis, Donna
Carl and Estelle Mercier - Marinette , Wi
Willy
Uncle Carl and I will miss you dearly. We loved all the times we got together and will cherish the memories we have like your sense of humor and your ability to take the joke when you were being teases especially by your Dad. You were an amazing cook and one of the things we remember was your awesome stuffed tenderloin cooked on the fire pit! Wow that was fantastic and you had so many more great dishes and desserts!
You will always be in our thoughts and prayers!
Love you!
Uncle Carl and Auntie Estelle. ( as you always called me)