Obituary of William Joseph Nadeau

William “Bill” Joseph Nadeau was born on December 12, 1966, in Trenton, Michigan.   He was one of five children born to the union of Richard and Patricia (Weston) Nadeau.   Bill was a 1985 graduate of River Rouge High School in River Rouge, Michigan.  Growing up in the Rouge, Bill enjoyed playing baseball and hockey.   In 2002, Bill, moved to Clare, Michigan before eventually coming back to Southeastern Michigan in 2007 to make his home in Monroe.

On September 29, 2001, in LaSalle, Bill, married the love of his life, the former Donna Rigley, in a beautiful, backyard ceremony. The couple was blessed with the birth of a daughter: Nicole. For ten years, Bill, worked as a porter for Mercy Memorial Hospital now known as ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital in Monroe before his medical retirement. 

He was always serving his neighbors at his apartment complex, whether it be shoveling snow off someone’s car or giving out food from his own pantry.  The elderly residents would say Bill was “their best friend” and he was known by his catch phrase “it is what it is”.  Bill had a special friend at the complex named Joe who everyone knows as “Joe Van Gogh” because of his ability to paint.   Bill and Joe would spend many nights watching wrestling together.  More than anything in life Bill cherished the time he spent with his two precious granddaughters: Grace and Allison.

William “Bill” Joseph Nadeau, age 55 of Monroe, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday; May 18, 2022. His passing was preceded by his parents:  Richard and Patricia Nadeau and his sister:  Dawn Gunter.

To cherish Bill’s memory, he leaves his loving wife of twenty-years:  Donna Russeau; a beloved daughter:  Nicole (Jesse) Blankenship of Monroe; three brothers:  Richard (Ilene) Nadeau of Traverse City, Michigan; Don Nadeau of Traverse City, Michigan, and Keith Nadeau of Clare, Michigan; two beautiful granddaughters:  Grace and Allison Blankenship of Monroe; many nieces and nephews; and his extended family that he spent many years growing up with in River Rouge:  Penny Lizewski, Mike Thanasas, Angel Thanasas, and Lisa Thanasas.

Private family services will be held at a later date.   Bill’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.   Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

Those desiring may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.