William E. DeGenaro

Bill was born in Chicago, IL on October 19, 1937, a son of the late Marion (Seidel) and Charles E. DeGenaro. He grew up in Evanston where he graduated from high school and furthered his education at the University of Illinois. Bill went through basic training and then served in the United States Naval reserve.

Bill’s working career started at 3M, where he served as Director of Strategic Planning and Marketing prior to being called by the Reagan administration to serve in the executive exchange program in 1988. Bill, being a staunch patriotic American gladly accepted this position, where he proudly held an office in the Pentagon. Following his time in Washington D.C., Bill started his own intelligence company, aptly named DeGenaro and Associates in Sarasota, Fl, which he continued with in Republic, MI until his ultimate retirement in 2017 at age 80.

Bill attended the Republic Community Church. He was a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the Marquette American Legion, Post 44. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Michigan Tech Huskies Hockey Team.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years Kathleen “Babs” (Kangas) DeGenaro, whom he married on Dec 16, 1961; daughter, Valerie (John) McCain of Waconia, MN; two sons – James (Debbie) DeGenaro of Apple Valley, MN; Thomas (Angie) DeGenaro of Lakeville, MN; a brother, Donald DeGenaro of Eagan, MN, 9 grandchildren – Andy (Lindsay), Bill (Ingrid), Kevin (Caitlin), Lisa (Sam), Megan (Josh), Joe, Sam, Grace and Charlie; 6 great grandchildren – Maren, Liam, Lars, Lillian, Marvin and Van.

Cremation will take place and a private family gathering will be planned at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Trillium House, 1144 Northland Dr., Marquette, MI 49855 or the Republic Community Church, 216 Front St., Republic, MI 49879.

Bill’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.