William "Bill" Edward Bielas

William Edward Bielas, age 81, of Petoskey, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at The Villa at the Bay in Petoskey.

Born on September 23, 1943, to Edward William Bielas and Lillian Agnes (Rigoni) Bielas, Bill was a lifelong resident of Petoskey. He attended school at St. Francis and remained deeply involved in the community throughout his life.

On January 8, 1966, he married the love of his life, Mary Agnes Fate, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey. Together they built a strong, loving family and shared nearly six decades of marriage.

Bill served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1963 to 1967, rising to the rank of sergeant. As a Field Radio Operator with the 1st Marine Division, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune (North Carolina), Camp Pendleton (California), and Camp Hansen (Okinawa), and served during the Vietnam War. His military accolades include the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Pistol Expert Badge, and Rifle Expert Badge. In recognition of his exceptional service and continued dedication to veterans, Bill received the Mitch Moran Distinguished Service Award.

After his military service, Bill returned to Petoskey where he worked as a local union millwright for over 30 years, bringing skill, dedication, and a strong work ethic to every job. He was the Business Agent who served as a key representative of the labor union, advocating for members, enforcing contract terms, resolving workplace disputes, and ensuring fair treatment and compliance with labor laws. His final job as a union millwright was assisting in the decommissioning of the Big Rock Nuclear Power Plant.

He was the proud owner of Bill’s Gunshop, where he skillfully built and repaired firearms, especially black powder rifles, which were his passion.Bill's dedication to youth and service was unwavering. He was a longtime leader and supporter of St. Francis Boy Scout Troop 7 and received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service in 1999. He was also active in Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps League, and he played a central role in Eagle Court of Honor ceremonies.

A devoted family man, Bill never missed a family picnic and loved playing euchre and cribbage with his loved ones. His presence brought warmth, laughter, and strength to every gathering.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lillian Bielas, and his sister, Beverly Ann (Bielas) North.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Bielas; his children, William M. Bielas (Amy) and Lisa M. Dopke (Mark); his cherished grandchildren, Kiersten Bielas, Allen & Andrea Bielas, Alexis Bielas (Steven), Jordyn Smeltzer, Chloe Smeltzer (Hunter), Lindsay & Drew Heckman, and (Joel Smeltzer). He is also survived by his sister, Betty Jean (Bielas) Lauer.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey, followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Father Gregory McCallum will officiate. Family, friends, and community members will gather at the church to honor Bill’s life of service, devotion, and love. Immediately following the Mass will be the burial at the St. Francis Cemetery with the Marine Corps Honors Ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to local veterans’ organizations or Boy Scout Troop 7 in Bill’s honor.

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