William J Haener

William Joseph “Bill” Haener, 84, of St Clair, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. He was born October 30, 1941, in Detroit, to the late Glenn and Mary Haener.

Bill attended St. Matthew’s Grade School and Austin High School in Detroit, where he excelled in baseball and football. A gifted athlete, he had the opportunity to pursue professional baseball with the Detroit Tigers, but followed his father’s wishes and went to college instead. He attended Michigan State University and later earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Detroit Tech. He continued playing competitive baseball, then softball and racquetball as a member of the Detroit Athletic Club well into his 50s.

After graduation, Bill joined Michigan-Wisconsin Pipeline Company as a planning engineer, quickly establishing himself as a rising star. There, he met the love of his life, Mary Jane D’orso, whose beauty, kindness, and gracious spirit captured his heart. They were married on June 1, 1968, and shared 46 years of devoted marriage. Mary Jane often called him her “golden boy” and “the best man she has ever known.”

Together they raised three sons, Jeff, Mark (Tara), and Steve (Jennifer). Bill was immensely proud of his six grandchildren-Gianna, Cruz, Luke, Brock, Brody, and Eli-and loved nothing more than watching them play sports and pursue their interests.

Bill rose from humble beginnings in Detroit to become CEO of a major energy company, leading teams around the world and working with government officials and heads of state to bring energy to developing regions. After retiring, he founded Blue Skies Energy with close friends, a company that converted methane gas from landfills into usable natural gas. A natural leader, he was known for his integrity, business savvy, and larger-than-life presence.

An avid golfer, Bill was active at St. Clair Golf Club, where he served as President, and at Cedar Hammock in Naples, Florida. He was also active in the St. Clair community through the Rotary Club, Investment Club, and Car Club. As a mechanical engineer, he had a special love for cars, especially Cadillacs and his Corvette.

Bill dearly loved the St. Clair River. Having grown up spending summers at the family cottage on Cherry Beach in Marine City, he later made his home on the river in St. Clair. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and sitting on his front porch watching the boats and freighters pass by, a source of peace and joy even as he bravely faced Alzheimer’s disease.

Jesus Christ was central to Bill’s life. A lifelong Catholic and active member of Holy Cross Parish, he valued faith-based education and ensured his sons attended Catholic schools. He helped lead fundraising for the parish activities center and gym and never missed Sunday Mass. He was a man of deep prayer, strong conviction, and quiet generosity who frequently put others’ needs ahead of his own.

After Mary Jane’s passing from cancer, Bill was blessed to find companionship again with Jeannine Frye. They were married on December 30, 2017, at Holy Cross Church, Our Lady on the River Parish, and shared eight years together. Bill lovingly embraced Jeannine’s children, Jason (Alyssa) Frye and Lesley Frye, and grandchildren Brooklyn and Braylee.

Bill is also survived by Mary Jane’s beloved sister, Natalie, and her husband, James Cerullo, and their children Nicholas (Michele), Erica (Salvatore), Amanda (Scott), and Danielle (Colton).

He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026 in the Marysville Funeral Home, 1200 Michigan Avenue, Marysville with a Scripture Service at 5:30 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026 in Holy Cross Church, Our Lady on the River, 610 Water Street, Marine City with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Father Robert Slayton will officiate.

The Rite of Committal will follow in Rosehill Cemetery, East China Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association - Michigan Chapter. To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com