William J. Rae

William J. Rae, age 81, of Iron River, MI, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at the Aspirus Iron River Hospital. He was born August 15, 1935 in Stambaugh, MI, the son of the late Donald and Mary (Zyskowski) Rae.  He attended and graduated Stambaugh High School, with the Class of 1953. On October 15, 1960, he married Gloria Sarafiny at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian, MI. The couple enjoyed 56 years together, as this year they would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Bill was a United States Navy Veteran. He was employed as a diamond driller for the Odgers Drilling Company and retired from Upper Peninsula Power Company, after 33 years of loyal service. After his retirement, he became a licensed real estate agent. He was a member of the American Legion Post #21 of Stambaugh and a former Elk member. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. He was also an avid Detroit Lion’s fan. William is survived by his wife, Gloria; sons, Don of Ishpeming, MI and Derek of Yorba Linda, CA; daughter, Robyn (David) Andreski of Iron River; grandchildren, Teagan Andreski of Melbourne Beach, FL, Taby Andreski of Appleton, WI, Beth Rae of Ishpeming, MI, Heather (Josh) Mongiat; great grandsons, Owen and Evan Mongiat, all of Ishpeming, MI; sister, Donna McHugh of Quinnesec, MI; nephew, Jim McHugh of Kingsford, MI; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Sharon Sarafiny of Caspian, MI; nieces, Cindy (Bill) Gustafson of Superior, WI, Tina (Vince) Joyce of Rosemount, MN and Shelley Losey of Crystal Falls, MI.   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Frank in 2007 and his nephew, Gary Sarafiny, Jr. in 2016. Private family services will be held. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William J. Rae, please visit our flower store.