William Thomas Ardelan, age 80 Of Gladwin and formerly of Oxford, October 27, 2011. He passed away at home after a long illness. Bill also known as "Tommy" to his family was born to Romanian parents Paul and Flora (Anderko) Ardelan on February 21, 1931 in Pontiac, Michigan. Bill lost his father at the age of 4 and was raised by his mother along with 9 other siblings

He graduated from St. Michael's School in Pontiac in 1948.

Bill started working at the age of 10 at a local Pontiac gas station, City Service. After graduating from St. Michael's School in Pontiac in 1948 he worked at Detroit Edison in Lake Orion. He then served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. After the Army he worked at the Pontiac Press where he sold advertising. He also had his own business Dura Plate Metal Photo in Ortonville, MI. He retired from Sherman Publication after 23 years as their Creative Director which is when he moved to Gladwin, Michigan with his beautiful wife Joyce.

Along with his advertising job Bill played coronet in his band "The Moonlighters" and "Oxford All Stars". Music was a big part of his life, learning how to play most any instrument from ear. His retirement years were spent playing music, painting, playing pool and enjoying his family.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Joyce (Behl) Ardelan, children Linda (Pat) O'Dea of Lake Orion, Gary (Suzanne) Ardelan of Oxford, Carol (Michael) Caverly of L'Anse, Larry (Allison) of North Branch, Nancy (Michael) Spencer of Keego Harbor, Janet (Scot) Wardrop of Lapeer. Also 16 grandchildren; Arlo Benetti, Ria Benetti (Greg Lester), Tavio Benetti, Connor O'Dea, Elizabeth and Julie Ardelan, Carrie (Bill) Moore, Jessica and Jonathan Caverly, Noah Ardelan, Sara Pfluke, Deanna (Ron) Strunk, Jessica (Ryan) Mulka, Kimberly Spencer, Scot and Staci Wardrop, 8 great grandchildren; Keane, Rowan, Taylor, Emma, Logan, Ava, Anna and Owen.
He is survived by a sister, Elena (Don) Bennett. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Paul and Flora (Anderko) Ardelan, Mary Ann (Elmer) Rabideau, George (Jean) Ardelan, Al (Marie) Ardelan, John (Jackie) Ardelan, Florence Simeneta, Gladys (Art) LaFave, Rosalie (Dean) Rohrer and Elizabeth Jane Ardelan.

Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors Bossardet Chapel, 39 W. Burdick, Oxford Monday October 31, 2011 at 11 AM. Friends may visit Sunday October 30th from 1-4 & 6-8 PM.

Source: http://www.lynchfamilyfuneraldirectors.com