William J. LaFountain

He was born May 6, 1942, in Iron River, Michigan, a son of Carl W. And Joy (Hooper) LaFountain. He grew up running the streets of Iron River and graduated from Iron River High School where he was the star football player.

Bill was employed for many years with Common Wealth Edison of Illinois and the Marquette Board of Light & Power in Marquette as a lineman retiring in 2000.

He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 44 and the Elks.

Bill and Diane together for 44 years, wintered in South Texas for over 20 years. They enjoyed so many adventures in life throughout all their travels, whether it be by car, 4 wheeler, plane or boat.

Bill’s interest included hunting at the family cabin on Lake Emily along with boating and, fishing on the lake, Buckwheat by his side.

Downhill skiing, road trips on his one of many Harley Davidsons, golfing in the NMU league where he had a Hole in One playing with his son in law, friend and part time golf partner Chuck, or Mr. Charles or Argg as he would call him.

And of course we all enjoyed his endless jokes and storytelling that changed often.

When Bill was ready for a road trip or adventure you had better have ESP as his thoughts of leaving had him ready and in the car and if you were not ready that bus was leaving without you.

Bill loved his cars he seemed to go to car shopping every week.

Bill was known and loved by all you could be in Boston, Key west or Mexico and hear someone calling Bills name out.

Bill loved to start conversations on politics, and as many know he had the answers to everything.

Bill was amazing and had great love for his family. He was the first one there, always engaged. They will always remember his stories, songs, games and shenanigans. They even copy some of them today.

He always had a list of things for Al to paint while Lori went on car rides.

There was always beer in the box and as long as you were going, he’d have one too.

He is survived by, Diane Williams of Marquette; children, Lori (Michael Chuck) LaFountain-Keeler of Marquette, Al LaFountain of Plymouth, MA and Kim (Murray) Dixon of Indiana; grandchildren, Jennifer Olson of Illinois, William & Aimee Kargle of Illinois, Rachel and Nicole LaFountain of Massachusetts; great-grandchildren, Mary, Michael, Eliot and Mark Olson, Ryleigh and Blake Kargle. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James LaFountain and granddaughter, Jill Kargle.

A Celebration of William’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 beginning at 2 pm at the Marquette American Legion Post 44.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com