Bobslaw 'William' Sobieralski Mr. Bobslaw/Bobeslaw "William" Sobieralski, age 84, passed away unexpectedly in a snowmobile accident on Lake Huron on March 29, 2006.

He was born on his family farm in Niles, Michigan, to two Polish immigrants, John and Helen (Pakalli) Sobieralski. His Polish birth name was thought to be Bobslaw (really Boleslaw), which means "William" in English. His English nickname later became "Bill."

As a boy, his first job was working on the BeeBee Farm, growing hemp to make rope for the war, at just 25 cents a day. He later grew soybeans and corn on his parents' farm with his brother, Cashmier. William also worked for many years in a factory, Bendix Corporation, where he retired from.

After a long courtship, William married Lillian Marie (Hafner) Welsh on December 18, 1971, the same year that his mother died. Lillian and William had been next door neighbors for over 20 years, prior to their marriage.

They also enjoyed vacationing in Cedarville several times each year, prior to purchasing their current home. William loved the U.P. He would perch and pike fish and deer hunt annually, in his younger years. He continued to ice fish until his death. Bill's interests included: fishing, hunting, gambling, building, and fixing things. In his later years he also enjoyed gardening.

William is preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Sobieralski and four siblings, Helen, Mary, Clara, and Cashmier.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lillian; stepchildren, Carole (Welsh) Hansen, James J. Welsh Jr. and his wife, Jan; stepgrandchildren, John Hansen, David Welsh, and Jonathon Welsh.

Cremation took place April 5, 2006.

The family would like to thank: Reamer Galer Funeral Home and Ross Funeral Home (both of Pickford), Pastor David Letscher, Mackinac County rescue workers/Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Police from the St. Ignace Post, Bob and Carol Tooley, Kim and Jason Fultz, and Donna Dutcher for assisting them.

The memorial service for William will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at 2:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church of Cedarville. The family will be available at Bethel Church from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to greet friends.

Memorials may be given in place of flowers to: the Alzheimer's Association, Alcoholics Anonymous, or Bethel Lutheran Church of Cedarville.