William Gnodtke

William Huston Gnodtke, 87, of Norwood, Michigan, died on February, 16, 2026. Bill was born in Niles, Michigan, on September 13, 1938. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pamela (Dewey); sons, John (Tomoko) and Douglas (Molly); grandchildren Benjamin, Eleanor, and Charles; sister, Mary (Ralph) Painter; and Danish exchange-student daughter, Rikke Hunsdahl. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucile, and grandsons Ian and Sean.

After graduating from The Leelanau Schools and Hillsdale College, Bill served two years in the U. S. Army as a communications specialist. Inspired by his parents’ civic and political participation, Bill spent a career in state politics and public service. He worked 18 years on the House Republican Caucus staff—including 2 as executive director—and as the Michigan Republican Party’s finance director. In 1988, he founded his own fundraising and consulting firm, Gnodtke & Associates. Bill was also a Michigan Presidential Elector for President Ford in the 1976 Electoral College, the state party treasurer, a precinct delegate for over 30 years, and an Ingham and Clinton County Republican Party officer. He served on the Board of State Canvassers; as a Clinton County Commissioner; on township, county, and regional planning commissions; and on two International Republican Institute missions promoting democracy in Mongolia.

In 1997, Bill retired to Norwood and began 21 years as a member of the Mackinac Bridge Authority, including 16 as chair. He was a respected advocate for the bridge’s autonomy as an appointee of Governors Engler, Granholm, and Snyder. Bill traveled with Pam to all 7 continents and over 60 countries. He also reconnected branches of the Gnodtke family tree separated in the 1890s after his grandfather emigrated from Pomerania. Bill was a member of the Bath Athletic Boosters, American Legion Post 488, Charlevoix Lions Club, Norwood Area Historical Society, and Lake Charlevoix EMS Board.

Bill was a devoted patriarch to his family and passionate about the Michigan Wolverines, finding the best gas prices, and honoring local veterans’ service each Memorial Day.

A memorial celebration will be held in the spring in Norwood. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, www.leukemiarf.org; Norwood Area Historical Society, PO Box 595, Charlevoix, MI 49720; or Lake Charlevoix EMS Authority, 9251 Major Douglas Sloan Rd., Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com