William V. 'Bill' Montonati

BESSEMER, Mich. - William V. "Bill" Montonati, 66, of Bessemer, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at his home.

He was born June 20, 1949, in Ironwood, the son of the late Peter and Lucy (Tuoro) Montonati.

Bill graduated from A.D. Johnston High School with the Class of 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 1968 where he served on a destroyer. Bill was honorably discharged in January of 1972. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Following his service duties he attended Gogebic Community College for two years. Bill then transferred to Northern Michigan University. He began his career working at the Marquette Branch Prison in 1978 and transferred to Ojibway Correctional Facility in 1981 until his retirement in 2005.

Bill enjoyed biking, snowshoeing and walking the Bluff, four-wheeling, snowmobiling and old cars.

On June 18, 1988, he was united in marriage to the former Linda Stella.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter, Kristi Montonati; his son, Mark Montonati, all of Bessemer; brother, Peter (Linda) Montonati, of Hurley; and a sister, Annette (Ben) Kudwa, of Grand Ledge.

A private Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer. Father Antony Lukka was the celebrant. Spring inurnment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, with full military rites accorded by VFW Post 3673 and American Legion Post 27 Honor Guard of Bessemer.

Special heartfelt thanks to Peter and Linda and Annette and Ben for their wonderful support.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory and the Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Hurley and Bessemer is assisting the family with arrangements. To view this obituary online or express online condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com.