William Orr Nahikian

William Orr Nahikian, age 65, passed away Friday, June 18, 2010, at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. Bill was born in Allegan, MI, June 25, 1944, son of the late Dikran and Elizabeth (Nee: Renny) Nahikian. He was a graduate of Albion College and received his master's from Western Michigan University.

On July 12, 1969, in Hastings, MI, he was united in marriage to Mary Frances Laberteaux. Bill served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Vietnam. He was CEO of DuraColor Inc and was previously CEO of Western Publishing. He served on the boards of RAMAC, United Way, Prairie School, St. Mary’s Medical Center, and was a philanthropist for many civic organizations. He was also a member of the Somerset Club and the Racine Country Club where he was an avid golfer. Above all he was a devoted husband and father who cherished the time he spent with his family.

Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Mary; his daughters, Susan and Sarah; brothers, Howard (Janet) Nahikian, Dickran (Jean) Nahikian, James (Dee) Nahikian; sister-in-law Rita (Jerome) Conrad; brother-in-law, Thomas (Rita) Laberteaux; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Bill’s family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Michael Mullane and staff, and the caregivers at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St. with Reverend John D. Aiello officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Tuesday at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m. and on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to the Prairie School have been suggested to establish a scholarship fund in his name.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888