William O’Donnell

Bill was born on March 9, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, son of Neil Joseph and Audrey Noah O’Donnell. He was raised by his mother, Audrey, along with his sister, Mary Jane, in Farmington, Michigan.

He graduated from Howe Military School, attended Michigan Tech University, and graduated from University of California at Long Beach in 1971 with an accounting degree. Bill moved back to Houghton and started what was a 40 year career in his business of William O’Donnell Accounting and Financial Services.

Bill joined others in opening a restaurant called Funkey’s Karma Kafe in the summer of 1973. Bill went on to help start the Keweenaw Food Cooperative in Hancock, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Bill was a general manager at the Keweenaw Food Co-op for over 20 years, also serving on the Board of Directors for North Farm Cooperative natural food warehouse in Madison, Wisconsin.

He consulted and helped numerous Natural Food Cooperative businesses in the Midwest. Bill was dedicated to the Natural Food Cooperative movement starting in the 1970’s, working to strengthen communities and peoples health by bringing healthy food and household products to those who shared in the endeavor for healthy living.

Bill managed his accounting and financial services business in multiple locations in Houghton and Hancock for 50 years, helping to support individuals and businesses in the greater Houghton and Keweenaw communities.

Bill was a part of many groups over the years, from Nutini’s mens and co-ed softball, indoor and outdoor tennis, and more recently taking up pickleball.

Bill was many things including a carpenter, landscaper, cabinet maker, painter, builder, accountant, financial advisor, manager, paper boy, factory worker, gardener, friend, brother, son, uncle and a father.

Bill was married to Nancy Smith O’Donnell on May 6, 1973. They lived in Liminga, and in 1976, they had their son Carey O’Donnell. Bill continued to raise Carey in Liminga after Nancy passed in 1978, dedicated himself to working on his home and property for 50 years until his death.

Bill is proceeded in death by his wife, Nancy Sophie Smith; mother, Audrey O’Donnell; nephew, John Segreto; and his brother-in-law, Dennis Segreto.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Jane Segreto; niece, Laura Babcock; and his son, Carey O’Donnell.

Bill loved his life in Liminga, he loved his neighbors, his friends. Thanks to all of you for being part of Bill O’Donnell’s life…be grateful…Keep On Truck’n.

To view Bill’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.