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June 19, 2012

Willard 'Bill' Golden

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TRAVERSE CITY — Willard "Bill" Golden, 84, of Traverse City and Oro Valley, Ariz., passed away on Monday, June 18, 2012, with his loving family at his side.

Bill was born on May 26, 1928, to Nathaniel and Martha (Carlisle) Golden, in Traverse City. Bill resided in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa before returning to Traverse City, where he stayed until his death.

On May 7, 1949, Bill married the former Barbara Jean "Red" Blanchard. She passed away in 2007.

In 1954, Bill and his father, Nathaniel, bought Friedrich's Shoes. In 1968, Bill became the sole owner and changed the name to Golden Shoes, which continues to be a prominent family business in downtown Traverse City. After the death of his father in 1969, Bill became owner of Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings, and continued to oversee the business until he sold it in 1986. Bill was also a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, The Elks Club, Oro Valley Country Club, and The Traverse City Golf and Country Club for many years.

Over the years, Bill enjoyed skiing, playing golf, and playing cards with his "gin" buddies at the Elks Club and Oro Valley Country Club. He especially enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family during the holidays and summers at the pool. Bill will always be remembered for his generosity to his family.

Bill is survived by his children, Craig (Jenny) Golden, of Suttons Bay, Candice Golden, of Petoskey, Michael "Jocko" (Karen) Golden, of Brighton, Mark (Candy) Golden, of Traverse City, Elizabeth (special friend Patricia) Golden, of Cheboygan, William (Amy) Golden, of Traverse City, and Barbara (David) Rickard, of Grand Haven; grandchildren, Melissa (Dr. Rich) Martin and Mallory Golden, McKenzie and Max Golden, Lauren Golden, Kalie, Cameron and Keaghan Rickard; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Christopher Martin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Betty (Richard) Riley, of Arizona; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William (Phyl) Blanchard, of Petoskey; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; brothers, Richard and Robert; and parents, Nathaniel and Martha.

A visitation for family and friends will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 21, with a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 22, at St. Francis Catholic Church, with Rev. Kenneth Stachnik officiating. Interment will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund or Athletic Department.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

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