William "Bill" Charles Richardson, 59, of Elk Rapids, MI passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Munson Hospital after a courageous battle against cancer in Traverse City, MI. Bill was born on July 20, 1955 in Lapeer, MI to the late Robert & Lucile (Platt) Richardson.

Bill graduated from Lapeer Senior High School in Lapeer, MI in 1973. He attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College. He loved music and became a church organist and pianist for several years. He was an Attendant Nurse for the State of Michigan for several years. He found the love of his life Walter Kroupa of Traverse City, MI in 1977 in Lansing, MI and they remained together for 36 years before getting married. Bill & Walt eloped to Ontario, Canada and got married in Sault Ste. Marie on September 11, 2013. They have been residents of beautiful Elk Rapids, MI for over 21 years. Bill loved working for Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings in Traverse City for over 20 years as a salesman and interior designer until his death. Bill was an avid cross-country skier, certified SCUBA diver, skin diver and boater. He loved riding his bike all over the Elk Rapids area and walking his dogs along East Bay. He was always mesmerized by the awesome sunsets and storms across the bay.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Bob & Lucy Richardson and twin sisters Peggy & Patty Richardson of Lapeer, MI; his three Cairn Terriers Sadie, Baron, & BJ; his Airedale Terrier Cleo; his three Giant Schnauzers Cole, CJ & Butch.

Bill is survived by:
His husband Walter Kroupa and his dog Roman the Standard Poodle of Elk Rapids, MI.; brothers Bob Richardson (Carolyn Miller) of Howell, MI and Tom (Colleen) Richardson of Mayville, MI; and sister Judy (Tom) Dalgleish of Lapeer, MI.

Nieces: Amy (Daryl) Tindale of North Branch, MI; Brenna Richardson of Manistee, MI; Annie (Robbie) Bauer, River Ridge, FL; Liz Richardson of Mayville, MI

Great Nieces: Jana (John) Ayers of Wahiawa, HI. Marisa Tindale, Taea Dalgleish, Emma Dalgleish, Penelope Dalgleish, Kia Richardson, Ava Richardson, and Great-great Nieces Jazmine Ayers of Wahiawa, HI. Hayden Richardson.

Nephews: Adam (Tonya) Dalgleish of West Branch; Tommy (Nicole) Dalgleish II of Traverse City, MI; Stephen (Jessica) Richardson of Anthem, AZ, Scott (Mehgan) Richardson of Howell, MI; Shaun (Kari) Richardson of Pinckney, MI; Matthew Richardson of Port St. Lucie, FL; Nathan (Jordyn) Richardson of Farwell, MI.

Great Nephews: Julian Tindale, Justin Tindale, Ronnie Dalgleish, Tommy Dalgleish III, Tony Dalgleish, Great-great Nephews: Jaxson Ayers of Wahiawa, HI. and Benson Richardson.

Bill's visitation for the celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Reynold-Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 305 6th St., Traverse City, MI. (231) 947-6347.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for the new Cowell Family Cancer Center being built at Munson Hospital. Contact Des Worthington at (231) 935-6509 or dworthington2@mhc.net .

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.