William L. Meiers

William L. Meiers, Sr., age 92, of Escanaba, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 16, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. He was born on July 3, 1926 in Escanaba, the son of Harold W. and Cecile (LaPointe) Meiers, Sr. Bill grew up in Escanaba and was a 1945 graduate of Escanaba High School. Following graduation, he began working in the family business, Meiers Signs, for several years until taking ownership in 1978 – the same year he built the new Meiers Signs location on North Lincoln Road. Bill owned and operated the family business until he sold it in 1981. He married the former Leota “Doty” Peterson on May 21, 1955 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Escanaba. Together, the couple shared 63 years of marriage and raised 4 children. Bill was a very talented artist and hand painted many signs throughout the area. He was especially proud of the welcome sign on Ludington Street in Escanaba that stood for over 50 years. Following his retirement, he and Doty enjoyed spending many winters in North Fort Meyers, FL. Bill was a longtime member of the Escanaba Country Club, the Escanaba Elks Club, the Exchange Club, and the Escanaba Eagles Club. Bill was an avid Michigan sports fan and followed U of M college football, the Tigers, and always a Detroit Lions fan. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and being at camp with his friends, snowmobiling, and camping weekends with his family. Later, his passions included restoring his prized 1930 Model A - Bill liked his Ford cars - and loved his wife, Doty, his lifelong sweetheart who he lovingly called “Oni” (his one and only). He was a true craftsman and used his talent to build a home for his family. Bill lived a long and wonderful life full of love, laughter, and many memories. He will be deeply missed.

William L. Meiers, Sr. is survived by his wife, Leota Meiers of Escanaba; two sons, William Meiers, Jr. of Escanaba, and Robert (Karen) Meiers of Hyde; one daughter, Renelle (Joel) Halverson of Ishpeming; one sister, Marilyn Christiansen of Escanaba; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by one son, Michael J. Meiers; and two brothers, Harold Meiers, Jr., and Robert Meiers.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, December 20, 2018 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Father Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Entombment will take place in the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. 

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