Marquette-William M. Rushford, age 88, longtime area resident, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans while in the loving care of his family and the lovely staff who cared for him.

William was born in Iron Mountain, MI on August 28, 1933, son of the late Miles and Alice (Wickman) Rushford. He attended Graveraet High School in Marquette, graduating with the class of 1951. After graduation, William enlisted in the United States Army serving from 1953 until 1955. He then worked for Michigan Bell Telephone for 36 years.

William attended Hope Free Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, and was a member of the American Legion Post 44, Vietnam Veterans of America chapter 380 and The Pioneers of America. He served as a part- time Deputy of the Marquette County Sheriff's Office, and was member of the reserve unit for the Menominee City Police Department.

In his free time, William enjoyed making doll houses for all of his granddaughters, reading, and watching the Packers. He loved camping with his family and traveling in their RV with his wife. He always enjoyed being with people sharing a story, a laugh, or a joke.

William is survived by his wife of 67 years- Shirley (Whiffen) Rushford, 3 children- Dave (Susanna) Rushford, Keith (Connie) Rushford, Dean (Myra) Rushford, 7 grandchildren- Charity (Anthony) Orza, Lauren (Kyle) Mullen, Lindsey (Brady Banse) Rushford, Faith (Clancy) MacNeil, Laura (Joel) Tubman, Maria (Joshua) Jensen, Thomas (Shannon) Dubach, 14 great grandchildren with one on the way, and an honorary granddaughter- Caitlin (Jeff) Woodward. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister- Margaret Froney.

William's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Hope Free Lutheran Church in Ishpeming from 11:00am until 12:00pm. A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm with Rev. Scott Leutz and Youth and Family Director- Jordan Langness officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens in the spring. Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380.

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