William Karl Kerridge

William "Captain Willis" Karl Kerridge, age 73, of Spring Lake, "Ambassador of the Great Lakes," passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 23, 2025, surrounded by his family and under the care of Harbor Hospice. He was born on June 29, 1952, in Grand Haven, MI, the son of the late Kenneth and Frances (McReynolds) Kerridge.

Willis graduated from Grand Haven High School, where he played on the school's baseball team, and then attended Muskegon Community College. He worked for a time at Clover Bar in Grand Haven, where he met his wife, Pam Rezny. They were married on April 4, 1998, in Spring Lake.

Willis was past member of Ducks Unlimited and Whitetails Unlimited. He was past President of Michigan Charter Boat Association, Co-Founder of the Grand Haven Offshore Challenge, and was one of the original charter boat operators to occupy Chinook Pier with the boat, "Shanty Irish." He later became longtime operator and eventually owner of ThunderDuck Charters, which will remain in operation, with boat owner, Brian Butts.

Willis was co-owner of Fish On Bait and Tackle, with his nephew, Cory Melvin, which is now Outdoorsman Pro Shop. He was also a longtime Captain and Radio Personality who hosted the local radio station's Daily Fishing Reports.

Willis was a lifetime member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 28, and also a lifetime member of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He served as head of the "Kerridge Camp" in the U.P., and had a special bond growing up with his brother, Bob, going on fishing and hunting trips near Trout Lake in the U.P. He especially enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers play as often as he could.

Willis was very involved in his community and was an avid outdoorsman who believed in the importance of teaching children the joy of fishing and hunting. He knew well the waters he traveled on, and when Lake Michigan was too rough, he would Bayou fish. He also enjoyed smelt dipping in the U.P in his younger years. Captain Willis participated in many fishing seminars and sport fishing shows.

Willis will be forever remembered and missed by so many, including his devoted wife of 27 years, Pam Kerridge; his mother-in-law, Marilyn Rezny; sisters, Pauline (Ken) Melvin and Sandy (Kip) Nadeau; brother, Bob (Mary Ann) Kerridge; sister-in-law, Cherise (Tony) Suchecki; brothers-in-law, Dave Stehouwer and Joe Rezny; many nieces and nephews; a host of great-nieces and great-nephews; and his faithful furry friends, including his lab, Bella, and cats, Sophie and Cali Lu.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Karel Stehouwer in 2024.

A Celebration of Life for Captain Willis will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Haven Eagles Aerie 925, Upstairs Hall, with special remembrances and memories to be shared by his many dear friends beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Grand Haven Offshore Challenge or Harbor Humane Society.

Willis wishes, "Calm Seas and Tight Lines" to his many First Mates and fellow Captain friends.

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