IRONWOOD, Mich. - It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of William Julius “Bill” Korpela Jr., 48, of Ironwood, who went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Bill will be deeply missed by family, friends and all those in the community who knew him. He will be remembered for his quick wittiness, smile, kindness, generosity and loving heart.

Bill was born on March 31, 1978, in Ironwood. While growing up, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his Uncle Arthur “Art” Korpela. During his high school years, Bill worked at the cranberry marsh in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, with his Uncle Kyle Thiede. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood in 1996.

Following high school, Bill worked as a welder for a short time in Milwaukee. He later returned to Ironwood and worked in the construction business where he learned and used his trade talents to rebuild his own house, after his first home burned down and nearly took him with it.

Bill then took on the position as one of the meat guys at Sunday Lake Supermarket in Wakefield. After many years there, he used his butcher skills to start up his own business, Bill’s Specialty Meats, in Ironwood. Many ordered from Bill over the years and he was known for his amazing “nibble sticks” that somehow, even helped some guys reel in some great fish. He supplied a “special recipe” for Rigoni’s Bakery in Ironwood and a variety of meats to other local restaurants.

Over the years, Bill was active in many things like meat raffles, donations for local events including the Danny B Awareness and all kinds of fundraisers for kids. If he could donate or help out in any way he would. Bill played softball for Rigoni’s Inn and threw dartball and horseshoes. He loved hiking, canning, fishing and his cherished hunting camp.

Throughout his life, Bill had many friends including good friends like his Uncle Stacy Thiede, Jason Pallin and Brian Rigoni Jr. Though he had close friends, most dear to his heart was his former and very much loved girlfriend of 18 years, Joey Cvengros. She survives.

Bill is also survived by his mother, Julie Sertich (Shan); four sisters, Annie Bloshenko (Myron), Becky Aho (Phil), Tammy Korpela (Richard Rogozzi) and Brooke Recla (Justin); eight nieces and nephews, Gavin and Meadow Bloskenko, Alex Korpela, Cooper and Cally Aho, and Cadence, Hayden and Austin Recla; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, William J. Korpela Sr.; his grandparents, Donald and Lorraine Korpela, and Marvin and Dorothy Thiede; three uncles, Arthur Korpela, Kyle Thiede and Keith Thiede; and an aunt, Donna Kulak.

Billy was greatly loved by his community and we want to thank everyone who supported him and his business. To continue his love of supporting local community events and charities, especially for the kids, please consider a donation to a local charity or fundraiser of your choice in his honor.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be announced at a later date.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.