William “Willie” Duboise, 87, was born on January 21, 1938, in Flint, Michigan and raised there with his two sisters.  He passed away peacefully in Fort Collins on August 27, 2025, under hospice care.

After leaving Flint, Michigan, he pursued his love for dancing and opened a dance studio, located in Omaha, Nebraska, along with some on the east coast. In operating his dance studio, Willie worked hard for its success.  He was courageous enough to call Gene Kelly, a famous dancer and actor, to endorse his studios, which he agreed to and Willie was able to use Gene Kelly’s name with his dance studios.

After handing off his dance studios, Willie moved to Washington state, where he owned a jewelry store.  Staying true to his love of the art of dancing, Willie also operated a dance/music studio in Washington state as a place for high school aged kids to hang out.

Willie then moved to Colorado in the late 80s to look after his son, where he then met the love of his life, Donna McBroom, in Loveland.  Donna and Willie were married in September of 2020 after deciding it was finally time.  Willie also brought his passion for jewelry to Colorado with him, creating an amazing variety of jewelry and other metal artwork under his business, WD Jewelry.  Willie’s jewelry and metal artwork was showcased in many galleries in Loveland and Fort Collins and in his nephew’s art gallery in Nebraska.

Willie often referred to himself as an “information gatherer” and had an insatiable quest for knowledge for a wide variety of topics.  He would research topics and find quotes that resonated with him, and he would often refer to them.

Until the end of his days, Willie’s passion for dancing and music was always a part of him, as he was always showing different dance moves to his nephew and never gave up trying to teach his dancing moves to anyone that showed the slightest interest.  Willie enjoyed listening to soul music and he particularly enjoyed Aretha Franklin and Al Green.  In later years, Willie added Alicia Keys’ music to his “favorites” list.  When dancing, he preferred Latin music, as these dances ranked among his favorites.

Willie cherished visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as his grand-nieces and grand-nephews, which lovingly referred to Willie as Gruncle Willie (shortened from Great Uncle.)

He is survived by his wife, Donna Duboise, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, niece and nephew, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

His celebration of life will be held on October 18th, 2025 at 11am at Viegut Funeral Home in Loveland, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.