BATH, ME — Frans William “Bill” Leppanen died on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at his home in Bath, Maine. He was 66. He was born on Dec. 24, 1948, in Marquette, Michigan, to William Frank and Wilma (Wilkkila) Leppanen.

He spent his early years on the family farm in the Eben-Chatham-Rumely area before moving to Negaunee. Bill was a graduate of Negaunee High School and Northern Michigan University. He was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. He worked at the Empire Mine in the Negaunee area before moving to Maine. He retired from Bath Iron Works in 2011 where he worked as an engineer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Shirley. Bill is survived by his nieces and a nephew — Tina Rathie and husband, Ron, of Billings, Montana; Francine Johnson of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Kathi Daly and husband, Jim, of Billings, Montana; Ann Watson and husband, Rick, of Cascade, Montana; Jay Leppanen of Chicago, Illinois; Kate Leppanen and fiance, Jon Lapak, of Boston, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind many friends.

Swanson- Lundquist Funeral Home in Marquette is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Chatham, Michigan. A celebration of his life is planned for this summer in Bath and a memorial service will be held in the Upper Peninsula at a later date.

Messages of condolence to the family may be sent to Francine A. Johnson, 4209 N.E. Meadow Creek Circle #110, Fayetteville, AR 72703. Condolences may also be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.