William Zanona

NORWAY-William “Bill” Zanona, age 88 of Norway, passed away Thursday March 5, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center – Dickinson in Iron Mountain, MI. He was born on July 24, 1937 in Norway, the son of the late John Zanona and Frances (Schafer) Wirth. Bill served his country in the US Navy from 1955 until 1958. He married Patricia Bal on August 6, 1960 in St. Mary’s Church in Norway. Bill worked for IBM, owned and operated the Norway Hotel and Bar, was an electrician apprentice for Norway Electric, a service man for Vecellio’s Appliance and a salesman for Lofholm Lumber. Spent over 20 years as a Norway Volunteer Fireman and was a member of Hall-DeWinter Post #145 American Legion in Norway. He loved spending time with his family, going trout fishing, hunting, going out to camp and his routines. Deer season was the highlight each year. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years Patricia “Patsy” Zanona; daughter Wendy (Guy Caverson) Watson; granddaughter Kyla (James Boyuk) Watson and their daughter Lily; grandson Collin (Ashley Hurley) Watson and their children, Murphy and Alice, all of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada; grandson Jacob (Sara Wilson) Zanona of Norway and their daughter Natalie Grace; sisters Barbara (Pete) Mendez, Sande Carney and Lynda (Jim) Strehlow; brothers and sisters in-law Marie Bal, Marie Devine; George and Betty Bal, Margaret Meneghini; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son John “Zeke” Zanona; brothers and sisters-in-law John and Bernice Bal, Joseph and Marge Bal, Edward Bal, Walter and Joan Bal, Bob Devine and Lee Meneghini; and step-father Ernest Wirth. Family will greet friends on Wednesday, March 18 from 10-11 a.m. at the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Ortman Funeral Home with Fr. Abraham Mupparathara of St. Barbara’s Church, officiating. Interment to follow at the Norway Township Cemetery, with a luncheon held afterwards at St. Barbara’s Church Hall in Vulcan. Donations in Bill’s name to the Hall-DeWinter Post #145 American Legion are encouraged.

William Zanona

July 24, 1937 - March 5, 2026