Wilhelmina (Billie) Campbell

Billie Campbell, age 100, passed away peacefully at her home on February 14, 2023. Wilhelmina Marie Kanzler, named after Kaiser Wilhelm II, was born July 15, 1922 at Spur 459 near Ozark, MI to Leo and Rosa (Mahl) Kanzler. Billie grew up on the family farm and attended a one room schoolhouse through 8th grade. Her teacher boarded with the family which ensured she and her siblings were well behaved. To complete high school, Billie moved to Sault Ste. Marie, living with families who offered room and board in exchange for household duties. She graduated in 1940. World War II had just begun when Billie offered her service to the war effort by working as a machinist in the Henry Ford Air Plant in Ypsilanti, MI. She was proud to be an original 'Rosie the Riveter' helping to turn out bombers. A plaque with her name is on the Rosie the Riveter Honor Roll at Yankee Air Museum in Belleville, MI. as a tribute to the hardworking and patriotic women of our Greatest Generation. In 1945, Billie returned to Sault Ste. Marie and began working at War Memorial Hospital in Admissions. It was there that she met and began her lifelong relationship with Lawrence 'Mose' Campbell, a firefighter who arrived with the ambulance. They married in 1951. By 1960, Billie was employed at The Evening News and remained there until her retirement in 1978. An active member of St. Joseph's Parish, she volunteered her time helping at the Church as well as at their Thrift Shop for many years. The Tower of History provided her with part employment and pleasure in enhancing her knowledge of local history while enjoying the warmer months in EUP. Their RV travels during winter included the southern and western states of the USA and parts of Mexico. They also enjoyed traveling throughout Canada. Billie enjoyed fishing from their boat, snowmobiling, and spending time at their property while Lawrence hunted. She was a voracious reader and loved playing cribbage with family and friends. Her constant companion and fur baby, Cora Lee, brought daily joy in her later years. Billie was predeceased in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Dorothy (Homer) Peake, John (Lyndell) Kanzler, Robert (Tilda) Kanzler, Gertrude (Chester) Rapson, and Norbert (Kathleen) Kanzler. She is survived by daughter-in-law, Patricia Campbell, and many nieces and nephews and a granddaughter. Her 100th birthday was celebrated at her home with family, neighbors, and friends on July 15, 2022. Special nephew and caregiver, Ron (Debbie) Peake, ensured her day was one she enjoyed immensely and recalled often and fondly. The family thanks Hospice of the EUP, and gives special thanks to friends Yvonne Hatch, Greg and Carolyn Zimmerman, Diane and John Waisanen, and Rose and Ken Van Luven. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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Wilhelmina (Billie) Campbell

July 15, 1922 - February 14, 2023