William Edward Briggs

Born on March 6, 1934, in Detroit MI, Bill was the cherished child of Leon and Charlotte Briggs, growing up among seven siblings in Marysville, MI. He graduated from Marysville High School where his active participation in sports, the band, and being elected president of his class helped shape his character. Bill pursued Civil engineering at Michigan Technological University, was a member of Theta Tau Fraternity and played drums in the pep band and Starliners dance band. He graduated in 1957. While at MTU he met Barbara Bergdahl, who would become the love of his life, while working as a busboy and she a waitress at the most popular restaurant in town, the Douglass House. They married in 1959. Following college, a short time in the U.S. Navy in flight training and brief time working for the Michigan Highway department, he entered the private sector as an industrial sales engineer throughout the midwest for 15 years. During this time Bill and Barbara started their family of four children being born in three different states.

In 1974, Bill and Barbara returned to the Keweenaw Peninsula, where they became proud owners of Commercial Systems Office Supply, Machines and Service in Houghton. Bill’s commitment to community service flourished as he contributed to the city’s planning commission, and helped to spearhead the downtown beatification projects, and dedicated himself to the Houghton Rotary Club. His passion for cultural exchange led him to initiate the Rotary Youth Exchange Program in the region, enriching the lives of countless students. Recognized for his leadership, Bill received the esteemed Paul Harris Award.

Devoted to serving others, Bill volunteered with Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, where he assisted in fundraising for the new building in Hancock. He also remained an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

After 22 years Bill and Barbara sold their business, and as young retirees, traveled the country for two years in their motor home and then embraced a new chapter, transforming their home into the beloved Sheridan On The Lake Bed and Breakfast, welcoming guests from all over the world for 18 memorable years. In 2021, they relocated to North Carolina to be closer to family.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents Leon and Charlotte Briggs, siblings Helen Bergstrom, Mae Walker, Jerry Briggs, Jim Briggs and Leon Briggs.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Barbara, sisters Judy Griffith and Charlotte DelVero, four children, Laurie Krasicky (Steve), Greensboro, NC, Steve Briggs (Merrill), Holland, MI, Mary Fancher (Mark), Union, KY, and Amy Dietrich (Brian), Cary, NC, along with eight grandchildren, Steven Krasicky (Andrea), Kyle Krasicky, Josh Briggs, Mikayla Briggs, Jacob Fancher, Hannah Fancher, Sam Dietrich, Alex Dietrich, and three great grandchildren. His profound impact on his family and community will be remembered fondly, as his legacy of love, kindness, and compassion endures.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 4th, at 11:00am, followed by a luncheon at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7000 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to either the Duke Cancer Institute Fund at dukecancerinstitute.org, or to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, 527 Hancock St., Hancock, MI 49930. Live stream at https://youtube.com/live/aI6-HnoONvU?feature=share