Ishpeming- William Edwin Bailey age 86, passed away Thursday, July 19 ^th , 2018 at his home, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice, after a bravely fought battle with cancer. Bill was born on May 26 ^th , 1932 in Bay City, Michigan to the late Emma and Edwin Bailey.

Bill is survived by Margaret Bailey of Saginaw, MI and their three children, Holly (Darren) Bailey-Boldt, Patrick (Kris) Bailey, and Heidi (Jason) Dexter. Margaret and Bill were married on November 10 ^th , 1962. He is also survived by his daughter Karen (Robert) Peglow; seven grandchildren, Bobby (Marcy) Peglow, Lane Peglow, Tressa Boldt, Kelsey Boldt, Ty Bailey, Juliana Dexter, and Ethan Dexter; three great-grandchildren Robby (Victoria) Peglow, Preston Peglow, and Ryan Stack; and one great-great-grandchild Paisleigh Peglow.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his four siblings, Ron Bailey, Janet Barnes, Rosalee Bailey, and Arthur Bailey.

Bill had many talents and skills. He worked as a welder and a commercial artist, opening his own sign painting business in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan before relocating to Ishpeming. He loved to travel and made several trips to Alaska. He loved to hunt, fish, and swim. He was also an experienced scuba diver and became one of the first men to dive below the Mackinac Bridge.

After retirement he continued to follow his artistic passion, specializing in oil painting. He followed football, golf, and enjoyed beating everyone at crossword puzzles.

Bill's family will receive relatives and friends at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming on Friday July 27, 2018 at 10:00 am until the time of his Funeral Mass at 11:00 am with Rev. Fr. Ryan Ford as celebrant. A luncheon will follow at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall located at 1889 Prairie Avenue in Ishpeming. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Flowers for the Funeral Mass may be directed to the St. John the Evangelist Catholic church, and in lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 North Main St., Ishpeming, MI 49849 but any expression of condolences is greatly appreciated.

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