Gwinn- William E. "Bill" Kallatsa, age 51, of Gwinn (Forsyth Twp.) passed away of natural causes Thursday, April 18, 2019 at his residence.

William was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on November 20, 1967, a son of Shirley (Saari), and the late William Ronald Kallatsa.

Bill graduated from Westwood High School class of 1986, went to Northern Michigan University Skill Center to learn the heating/cooling and plumbing trade and went to college in Yuma, Arizona.  Bill served his country in the U.S. Marines.

Bill was currently employed as an HVAC Technician at Duquaine Plumbing and Heating Marquette.  He was a member of the UP Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC, Local 111, Little Lake American Legion and the Richmond Township Club.  Bill enjoyed playing in the local dart league, loved the game of hockey, being an avid Red Wings fan and a Detroit Tigers fan.

Bill is survived by his wife Debbie (Melka) Kallatsa, his mother Shirley (Francis) Kinnunen of Negaunee, a son William Kallatsa of Green Bay, WI, a daughter, Roxanne (Tayler Gerhard) Kallatsa, of Suamico, WI; grandchildren: Bennett Martinez, and Oliver Gerhard, a sister Mary (Lawrence) Williams of Renton, WA, nieces and nephews: Michael, Pulcheria, Mellese, Sakari, step children: Nikki (Aaron) Loehr, and Joshua Saari, step grandchildren: Jacob and Eivin Loehr, aunts and uncles  Ethel (Robert) Dobson, Reynold (Rita) Saari along with several cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father William R. Kallatsa.

Bill's family will greet relatives and friends from 4:00-6:00 PM on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming where funeral services will be held at 6:00 PM with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating.

A dessert/coffee social will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Marines.

Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Bill's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.