William J. Larsh Jr

Bill was born on April 3, 1948, in Marquette, to William Joseph Larsh Sr. and Theresa Louise (Moquin) Larsh. He was a proud 1966 graduate of Bishop Baraga High School.

On July 18, 1986, he married the former JoDee Wapienik. In 2026, they would have celebrated 40 years of devoted marriage.

Bill dedicated many years of his career to Marquette Bottling Works, beginning as a route driver and working his way into management. He later served as district manager of Erickson’s Freedom Gas Station on Washington Street until his retirement in 2021.

Just as committed to his community as he was to his work, Bill gave his time generously through the Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and Marquette’s Traffic and Parking Advisory Committee. His dedication and love for others were evident to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill cherished his time in the woods hunting and at “Camp BALD” (Bill, Alan, Larry, and David). He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with friends, golfing, and lively games of cribbage with his “Grover” group.

He deeply valued family traditions. For many years, JoDee’s family, the Wapieniks, gathered annually in Wisconsin Dells for vacations filled with laughter and togetherness. Bill was the ultimate uncle, brother-in-law, and son-in-law. He also treasured time with his brothers — camping, playing games, and reconnecting whenever they could gather — and always looked forward to visits with his nieces and nephews.

A devoted NMU Wildcats fan, Bill was a season ticket holder for NMU hockey for more than 35 years. He also faithfully followed the Detroit Lions, Red Wings, and Tigers, often sporting a jersey while watching the game.

Bill and JoDee had recently returned from a family wedding trip to Hawaii in January. In 2024, he fulfilled a lifelong dream with a bucket-list trip to Alaska alongside his brother David and sister-in-law Stacey. His smile and love for life shined bright wherever he went.

Bill and his brothers lovingly helped care for their mother, Theresa. He also supported his in-laws, Charlotte and John “Yosh” Wapienik, during their time of need.

He is survived by his loving wife, JoDee; his sons Jeff (Erin) Larsh and Nathan Larsh; his stepson Ryan (Monica) Raica; cherished grandchildren Phelan and Silas Larsh and Valentina and Santiago Raica; his beloved “furever” friend, Pepper; his brothers Alan Larsh, Larry (Kim) Larsh, and David (Stacey) Larsh; sisters-in-law Jonnie (Tom) True and Tassi Hodgins; former brother-in-law Steve Hodgins; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Joseph Larsh Sr. and Theresa Larsh; his in-laws, Charlotte and John “Yosh” Wapienik; and his sister-in-law, June Larsh.

Bill’s family will greet friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at St. Louis the King Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 p.m., with Rev. Tom Merkel officiating. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s name to Trillium House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI. To honor Bill’s memory, enjoy a large dish of ice cream.

Alzheimer’s may have blurred the details, but it never dimmed his love. Near the end, when asked who was sitting next to him, Bill said, “All I know is that I love her.”

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Bill’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com