Bill M. Owen

William Michael Owen, 79, beloved husband of Marge (Bodzick), passed peacefully on March 29th, 2017 at Hiland Cottage in Petoskey. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Mike (Maureen), Dave, Heather (Dave) Testa; sister, Barbara Arrandale; 9 grandchildren, Madison, Ryan, Katie, Chad and Shelby Owen, and Katie, Dan, Gina, and Christina Testa; and by his best friend, Whitney.
 
Born February 24th, 1938 in Royal Oak, MI, he was the son of the late William and Mildred Owen. Bill grew up in Royal Oak where he participated in a variety of sports and graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1956. He was recruited to play football at the University of Louisville where he received a scholarship and played on the first University of Louisville team ever to go to a bowl game. Bill played center and linebacker for 4 years, including the 1958 Sun Bowl Championship team.
 
Upon graduation, Bill returned to Royal Oak and took a job in pharmaceutical sales. In 1970 he moved to Harbor Springs where he remained for 47 years. Over the years Bill founded and operated several local businesses, including a janitorial services company, a building construction company, and a cottage caretaker business. He was best known for his career as a rural postal carrier - a job that allowed him to build relationships with a large part of the Harbor Springs community. Bill also served 8 years on the Harbor Springs School Board and was an assistant coach for Harbor Springs Football, including the undefeated 1976 season.
 
Bill belonged to the American Legion Post 281 and Harbor Springs Fire Department. In retirement Bill worked at Harbor Point Golf Club and was a founding member of the Duffers Golf League. Bill continued to be a lifelong sports fan and a fan of everything involving Harbor Springs and his family.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to Hiland Cottage 1 Hiland Dr. Petoskey, MI 49770 or Jeffrey P Bodzick Scholarship Foundation PO Box 622 Harbor Springs, MI 49740.
 
Join us April 29 from 2-5 for a luncheon to share stories and remember a life lived to the fullest. Sharing begins at 2:30. Country Club of Boyne 250 Heather Drive Harbor Springs, MI.

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