Obituary of William Hernandez

Hernandez, William

Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper, surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old. William Hernandez was born on November 23, 1944 in San Marcos, Texas to Mariano and Lola (Cerda) Hernandez. Bill proudly served his country with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, he met and fell in love with Elida “Lee” Ramirez and they were married on July 28, 1973 in Saginaw. Together they celebrated 47 wonderful years together before her passing on November 10, 2020. Bill worked for General Motors at Grey Iron and Nodular Iron for over 30 years, retiring in 1998. He was a member of St. John Paul II Parish, St. Josaphat Catholic Church for many years. Bill and Lee enjoyed volunteering for the Saginaw Rescue Mission. Together they loved to travel across the United States, go to the casino, fishing, sitting on the deck and watching the boats on the river. Above all his greatest joy was spending time with and talking about his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving are his children, Paula Martinez, Raquel Perez, Rita (David) Kontur and Ramon (Danielle) Hernandez; grandchildren, Cynthia Perez, Federico (Raquel) Perez, Isaiah (Kerri) Hough, David (Jessica) Kontur, Jessica Kontur, Andrew Kontur, Matthew Kontur, and Autumn Hernandez; great grandchildren, Stella Rose Perez-Groizard, Geraldo Gary Lopez, Federico Elvis Perez , Eva Elida Perez and Amelia Joy Hough; brothers, Rick Hernandez and James Hernandez; sisters, Gloria Martinez and Lucy (Larry) Pomeroy; siblings-in-law: Emma Corona, Lois Hernandez, Alberto (Carmen) Ramirez Jr., Marilyn Hernandez and Delores Ramirez; many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Lee; siblings: Henry Hernandez, Mary Lou Prather, Jessie Hernandez, Josie Gawthrop, Alberto Hernandez, Daniel Hernandez, David Hernandez and Mario Hernandez.

We take great solace and joy in knowing our parents are reunited in Heaven together along with loved ones who have gone before them.

FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish – St. Helen Catholic Church, 2445 N. Charles Street, Saginaw, MI 48602. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Rite of Committal and Military Honors under the auspices of the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #1859 will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A vigil service will be held on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Saginaw Rescue Mission or St. John Paul II Parish – St. Josaphat Catholic Church.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hernandez family; condolences may be expressed to the family at the funeral home, church or by visiting www.DeislerFuneralHome.com