Birth date: Aug 19, 1931 Death date: Nov 26, 2014
The Rt. Rev. William Walter Wiedrich passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2014, at the age of 83. Bishop Wiedrich was born in Stambaugh, MI on August 18 or 19, 1931. He was born so prematurely that his survival was assumed to be un Read Obituary
I wanted to express my sympathy and let you know that my thoughts are with you.
I'll always remember my godfather fondly and feel lucky that I had the pleasure of knowing him. His smile was infectious and his stories filled the room and everyone near him with laughter.
My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
~Kathleen McGowan formerly of Manistique, MI, Milwaukee & Madison WI.
I am writing on behalf of Peter Gianakura and the Gianakura family. Father Bill was a friend and mentor to my parents and during my childhood (and sisters') we spent many Sundays at St. James prior to our services at St. George. He was a friend to my father and his kindness and memory will be eternal. Our sincere sympathy to the Wiedrich family. Joy Gianakura (Peter, Georgia, Cathie Rogg and Anastasia Stacey)
Ae a young boy Fr. Weidrich was always at summer church camp. He was always welcoming, kind, and filled with good stories. We all loved him. When in my thirties I had decided to peruse ordination I found him to be of great encouragement. Eleven years later I received his call to come and work with him in Madison, WI. We were togather for nearly six years. They were some of the best years of my life. I still tell his stories but even more, I learned from how to tell my own stories. While stories were always important to him, no story was more important than the story Salvation in Jesus Christ. I wish to express my condolences to Tress and the boys. Blessings to all. Bill Myrick, priest and friend.
I saw the notice of the passing of Father Bill in the Soo Evening News. My name is Larry Matelski. I became acquainted with Father Bill when he was at the church in Newberry. I recall him with fondness. During his stay here in Newberry he began a boys' club one evening a week. Even though I was from a different church, that was not a problem. He arranged different programs of interest to us. One that stands out in my mind was when he invited Mr. Kilpela to introduce us to the art of tying flies. Mr. Kilpela demonstrated his skill and provided us with supplies. I had the simple vise, hooks, feathers, yarn and other fly tying needs for many years. I wish to offer my condolences to the family during this difficult time. I will be praying for you. Larry
To Fr. Bill's family: my sincerest sympathy to you! Rev. Wiedrich was a very sincere man and, at one time, a pillar of the community in Sault Ste. Marie. I will also remember his gentle manner. He was such a beacon and I am proud to have known him. In his own way, Rev Wiedrich inspired me to go into the ministry. Even though I'm Roman Catholic, we share one Lord, one Faith and one Baptism! I unite myself in mourning with the family, but with hope that Rev. Wiedrich is now at rest in the Kingdom of God with the Lord he so loved!
Rev. Ben Paris
Manistique, Michigan
I will always remember and appreciate Father Wiedrich's kind and gentle way of interacting with people. His sense of humor and stories always made us laugh...even when he was trying to make a serious point. He "married" my husband and I and also baptized our three children while he was at Grace Church in Madison. We are happy to have known him and will always have fond memories. Our prayers to his family.
Dan and Mary (Cress) Fose
"Aunt" Tress, Bill and Tom,
Although not unexpected, Fr. Bill's passing is still a huge loss to us and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Mom sends her love, and asked me to mention our annual Memorial Day picnics in the Soo. We remember even when the weather was still hanging on to the last bits of winter, there we all were, braving the cold in jackets and sweaters. Us Yoopers were always ready for Spring!
Personally, I have always been blessed to live with the knowledge that I had a second Mom and Dad of my heart, who just happened to have the last name of Wiedrich. I will miss Fr. Bill's sense of humor and the way he could always make us laugh so hard while he and Dad shared stories about Newberry and the Sault.
Dad told the story the other night about an infamous midnight raid on the local barber shop in Newberry after the Packers beat the Lions one year. The owner of the shop arrived at work the next morning to see his store front windows decorated in Green Bay yellow and green with rather vivid visual effects. Dad wouldn't name all his cohorts, but I think it's safe to assume a certain local Episcopal priest *may* have participated in the festivities the previous evening. (Or at least given his blessing to the proceedings.)
Rest in peace Fr. Bill. We love you.
Thinking of all of you at this time. Fr. Bill (as I will always remember him) was such a kind and gentle man. Pam Bentley Briglio
Tress, Young Bill and Thomas The Filer
I will always treasure fishing with Father Bill on the Two Hearted, the trips to Detour from the Soo on Sunday evenings to conduct services, his bird hunting prowess while Cy served as his co-pilot on all those old logging roads.
Rest in peace my good friend.
Al
