William "Bill" J. Fortenbacher

Birth date: Mar 4, 1934 Death date: Oct 24, 2020

Mr. William John Fortenbacher Sr, age 86, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, October 24, 2020 in Fruitport. He was born on March 4, 1934 to Francis and Isadora “Izzy” (Barnard) Fortenbacher in Muskegon Read Obituary

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Gary Reames

257w ago

On behalf of Maureen and I, to Aunt Val and the Family, you know we love ya, and you have our Sincerest Sympathy. Uncle Bill was so special to us, because he was a special Man....so giving of his time to help anyone, especially his "Sis". He always wanted to know how we were doing, or how Maureen's latest Dinner Plans turned out....And he was so proud of his Family and his GrandKids, you never had a conversation w/ him w/ out knowing what they were up to:-) Personally, Bill and I got to know each other over the years, and I'm so honored to have been able to call him Uncle, and even more, My Dear Friend, and my Buddy. We had a lot of Laughs, and we're so going to miss Him, and that goes for He and Aunt Val's many Patrons over the years....and he will Never be Forgotten-A Fruitport ICON. Peace to you all, Gary and Maureen

Sally Liebertz

257w ago

in honor of William "Bill".

Our Uncle Bill lived an amazing life that touched so many people. He was our rock, and his memory will forever leave a hole in our hearts. There are so many things I will miss about Uncle Bill, but mostly that unique - contagious laugh of his! Same laugh as his sister Mary, and you couldn't help yourself to smile (even knowing he was probably up to no good)! We love you Uncle Bill!

Sally - Ben - Elizabeth & Nancy!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

A lighted pale blue candle with a small white flower and a few leaves at its base, set against a soft blue background.

Ashley M Pelfresne

257w ago

in honor of William "Bill".

We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing he was a great neighbor and enjoyed his wave when we went by. Your family is in our prayers during this time.

Derrick, Ashley and Sophia
Neighbor 290 N 2nd Ave

Patricia Kozal

257w ago

Sending sympathy to the Fortenbacher family from a "sort of relative." My cousin, Jim Barnard of Pleassantville, New Jersey, is related to Bill through his late father (died 1969), Philip E. Barnard, who was a life long Coast Guard officer, just like his father John Barnard. Phil's sister was Izzy. I knew her through my dad, Lawrence J. Kozal, Sr., and St. Michael's Church. Izzy, named for her grandmother, Isadora, was a great gal. So, it goes like this: John S. Barnard married Rebecca Nedeau; Izzy was born about 1907. Her brother, Philip, was born in 1913. Isadora married Francis Fortenbacher, and her brother, Phil, married Donna Meese Simmons. Donna was my aunt through my mother Eloise Meese Kozal. So sorry for your loss. Patricia Kozal

Pam Vanderwalle

257w ago

Val & family, I’m so sorry for your loss😥
Pam Vanderwalle

Paula Chittenden Battge

257w ago

Bill gave me a job and helped me work my way through college. Without his help and great understanding I made it! Always a small and nod. You will surely be missed!!! Sending prayers to Val and the family.

Jeanie Meredith

257w ago

I worked for Bill 30 years ago! I had just found out that I was pregnant for my son Blaine! He was one of the best bosses I've ever had! I still to this day knock on the bar when I give change back or serve a cocktail to my customers! So much love and respect for this wonderful man!

Teresa Platt (De Young)

257w ago

in honor of William "Bill".

When I was young I was raised in Fruitport, Ye Ole Tavern was the place for visiting with friends, family and neighbors. The Gerald De Young Family was very familiar with Bill through the years and his family in Fruitport. Deepest Sympathy and Prayers for his wife, kids, and extended Families for their loss.

Jo-Ann Beals

257w ago

Valerie,
My sincere condolences for you and your family. Prayers and thoughts for your family.

Jo-Ann (Minnerick) Beals

Joe Clark

257w ago

Valerie & Family
In my opinion Bill was one of the most competitive players to play any sport. Having played against and with him gave me different perspectives of him. Pitching was his forte but he also contributed some key hits to help his team. It was a joy to catch him for several years on the Half Moon Tavern team.
Sincerely,
Joe Clark

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