William Eugene Beaudoin

William Eugene Beaudoin, born June 23, 1932 in New London, Wisc., peacefully found his path to Heaven on February 25, 2014 surrounded by family. Bill’s life journey was a long one filled with love, admiration, family and friends. As a young man, he lettered in both baseball and football. His love of all sports saw him cheering for many favorites, including NASCAR’s #24 Jeff Gordon and the LSSU Laker Hockey team. In 1958, Bill married his first true love, Beverly June Lyon; after Beverly's death he married Helen Dutra in 1969 and re-married in 1977 to Brenda Leigh. A loving man, devoted to his family, he was also a loyal and giving friend to many. He was a caregiver to his mother Julia Z. Woulf until her passing at 101 years of age. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards for fun and penny-ante with friends and family – especially his sisters; visiting casinos all over the United States, dancing, socializing and he loved food and sharing a warm cup of coffee. He collected coins, stamps, Hummel figurines, and event pins from his travels. Bill loved cars, especially his prized 1984 Limited Edition Ford Mustang convertible, in which he was able to enjoy a few more rides this past fall. Bill’s working life began at an early age when he started work at a cheese factory in Wisconsin. He went on to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1952 and was stationed all over the world in his 20-year career as an electronic technician, aviation search and rescue and avionics fire fighting - including Sault Ste Marie Michigan in 1959, Guam, Kodiak, Alaska, and retiring in Brooklyn, New York. After retiring from the Coast Guard in 1972, Bill held many jobs to support his young children. He started out studying for mutual funds investment, but would take on any job he could, including custodial work, newspaper delivery and distribution, motor coach driving - in a variety of vehicles from small passenger vans, to larger motor coaches and school buses - and cold weather test car driving. He enjoyed hot air ballooning, and was a crew member with Kellogg’s balloon and hydroplane racing teams. Bill also spent several years as a bus driver for the Lake Superior State Lakers Hockey team, chartering them through championship seasons. He loved sight-seeing, and having the opportunity to meet new people and share a variety of life experiences. He volunteered for the Disabled American Veterans, driving fellow Veterans to medical appointments in Iron Mountain. Bill was a very patriotic man, and found great pride in all of his family’s military service, including his daughter Brenda’s U.S. Army and his son Edward ‘E.J.’s U.S. Navy careers; he was also very proud of his grandsons Brandon W. Beaudoin, Bruce E. Beaudoin and grandson-in-law James Boger who have or are serving in the U.S. Navy. During his life, he was able to take two Tiger Cruises aboard the U.S.S. Hyman G. Rickover, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine where he actually piloted the sub. He was proud to have been personally invited back by the vessels Commanding Officer. Bill also toured the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier U.S.S. Harry S. Truman. He is survived by his children, Bruce W. (Raulaniesa Aranda) Beaudoin, Barbara R. (Arthur) Krueger, Brenda M. (Michael) TenEyck, and Edward J. “E.J.” (Ginger) Beaudoin, sisters, Marilyn Fazer, Shirley Neshek and Mary Charlier, 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Also surviving Bill are former wives, Helen Beaudoin and Brenda Leigh, and many special friends whom he stayed in touch with around the world. Anyone who knew Bill appreciated his warm and infectious smile, and happy-go-lucky good-natured way. Bill recently returned to his Catholic faith, but preferred a celebration of life rather than a funeral. According to Bill’s wishes, family and friends are invited to celebrate on Saturday, March 15, noon to 6 p.m. at Soo Township Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the EUP or the residents' activities account at Freighter View Assisted Living. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

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William Eugene Beaudoin

June 23, 1932 - February 25, 2014