William Arthur Heerdegen

William “Bill” Heerdegen, 81, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025. He was born in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, to Lelah (nee: Beck) and Frederick Heerdegen who preceded him in death. After high school, Bill began his lifelong career in sales, working for the Lion Store in Toledo, Ohio, and as a traveling sales representative for the West Bend Company and Chicago Cutlery. He later went on to start his own business “St. Simons Trading” where he sold excess, obsolete ingredients in the food industry, from which he retired in the mid 2000s. It was with this business that his love for “faxing” began! You could always expect a fun fax from Bill, even after retirement!

Bill was best known for his charming personality and character. He never met a stranger and greatly valued his friendships with many. He enjoyed the outdoors by hunting and golfing and especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends at his “Lucky 7” Camp in Ontonagon, Michigan, and his frequent trips to Ogidaki. Bill also had an affinity for all things “L.L. Bean” and you could always find him sporting his favorite turtleneck, cargos and bean boots. He even had an “L.L. Bean” tattoo!

When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed days off floating on a raft with his children in Lake St. Louis or tinkering in the garage, rigging things up in so many creative and unique ways. Bill was also an avid photographer, capturing countless precious memories (winning several awards) over the course of his children’s lives and creating many keepsake photo albums for them.

After spending many years in Lake St. Louis, MO, Bill later relocated to Ontonagon, Michigan, where he cultivated many meaningful friendships that endured to this day. Then in 2018, he moved out west to Phoenix, Arizona, where he made many new memories with his daughter, Holly (Dawn) and grandson, Luke.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Matthew Heerdegen (as he so lovingly referred to as “Flash”), late wife, Sharon Heerdegen and brother, Richard Heerdegen. He is survived by his two daughters, Heather Birch and Holly (Dawn) Whittington and grandchildren, Sophie Birch, Eli Birch, Dieter Heerdegen, Ivan Heerdegen and Luke Whittington.

Bill will be sorely missed by all those who loved him. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, so each time you watch a game, please enjoy a nice cold beer in his memory. In his words “Go Pack Go!”