William Charles Edson, Sr. passed away April 26, 2019 at the age of 81. Bill was born January 26, 1938 to the late Raymond Manley Edson and Ruth (Iwig) Edson. He was raised on a farm in Walnut, IL and was a member of the band, student council, football and track teams in high school.
Bill was a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity at Bradley University in Peoria, IL. After graduation, he entered the Army Reserve for 11 years. Bill and his family moved to Michigan working for Sears.
He would close downtown stores and move the operations to malls. Bill dedicated most of his career as a Department Manager at Sears Oakland Mall. He finished his career working for different home improvement companies and finally, back to a Sears company, The Great Indoors as a very successful kitchen designer.
He never missed a day of work. He retired after 46 years with Sears. Bill golfed in the Sears Golf League.
He enjoyed playing racquetball for many years. Bill was an admired older brother, a loving father, a devoted husband and proud, loving grandfather. He loved spending quality time with family and friends and enjoyed family and high school reunions.
Bill and Paula enjoyed dinner parties, pinochle and euchre with friends and boating on Commerce Lake. Bill was a member of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, MI. He was an active member of the Shrine Dads’ Club for years, where he volunteered for many projects including the annual Christmas Tree Sale to raise money for the schools.
Bill enjoyed everything sports and was often found watching the Detroit Red Wings, the Pistons, the Lions, the Tigers, college basketball, ESPN, reading Sports Illustrated or watching golf. Bill was an avid griller and was known to be the neighbor grilling all through the winter, his specialty… the “Bill Burg”! He looked forward to his weekly breakfasts and movies out with the Shrine dads and relaxing poolside in the sun.
People that knew Bill described him as a very easy going, genuine, caring and kind soul that always had a funny experience to share! Bill is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Paula (Arthur); the mother of his children, Jane (Dunlop) Edson; children, Sue (Joe) Austin, Liza (David) Jerzy and William Charles “Chuck” Edson, Jr.; step-children, Katie (Steve) Bardocz, Kelli (the late Micah) McNeer and Ryan Arthur O’Halloran; siblings, Lois (the late John) Shuman and Don (Pam) Edson; brother-in-law, Marty (Barb) Arthur; along with three nephews, four nieces and their children; grandchildren, Kyle and Charlie Jerzy, Kendall and Blake Bardocz and Brenan McNeer. A Memorial Mass at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica and Celebration of Life will be held in late May.
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