Rev. William ‘Bill’ Payne
REPUBLIC, MI Rev. William ‘Bill’ Payne, 96, of Republic, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at home, in the loving care of his family.
He was born on October 8, 1928, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, the son of Rev. Paul Calvin Payne and Edna (Potts) Payne.
Rev. Bill walked through life with purpose, grace, and a pair of well-worn skis. From Yale Divinity School where he earned his Masters degree to pulpits across Connecticut, Ohio, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he ministered with heart and humility, always seeking to uplift others.
For more than 12 plus years, he served the First Presbyterian Church of Marquette, guiding his congregation with wisdom and warmth. Later, he found a new spiritual home at the Presbyterian Church of Big Bay, where his voice continued to echo in the hearts of many.
He was a sailor of summer winds and a skier of snowy trails, participating in the Birkebeiner ski race and cross-country skiing well into his late 80s. His favorite companion was Whiskers, his dog, with whom he shared countless walks and quiet moments. A natural storyteller, Rev. Bill was never in a rush to leave-his presence lingered like a blessing.
He is survived by his loving wife Nancy; children Helen (Tony) Pardo, Connie Sullivan, Paul (Theresa) Payne, and Robert Payne; stepchildren Derek (Amy) Beiderwieden, Mark (Anette) Beiderwieden, and Karyn (Steve Melka) Loomis; grandchildren Tonio, Daphne, Sara, Andrew, Hanna, Niklas, and Walker; and several great-grandchildren.
His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the sermons he preached, and the snowy paths he carved with joy.
A funeral service and public viewing will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Marquette on Tuesday, August 5th, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Rev. Steve Solberg and Rev. Darryl Small will be officiating. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant a tree or donate to the Audubon Society in Rev. Bill’s memory.
A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.