William A. "Bill" Birr's Obituary
William A. “Bill” Birr, age 80, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025. He was born on March 2, 1945, in Muskegon to Arthur and Gizella (Galajda) Birr. Bill was a graduate of the first graduating class at Orchard View High School and graduated with a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. On May 21, 1966, he married Mary L. Pranger in Muskegon and together celebrated 57 years of marriage prior to her passing on May 11, 2024. He was a longtime member of Laketon Bethel Reformed Church, where he had served as a Deacon. Bill began his career in Sales at Howmet, where he worked for 26 years. He later owned and operated Birr and Associates for an additional 30 years before retiring in 2021. Bill enjoyed playing basketball, football, baseball, and golf, as well as hunting. He loved to travel, take cruises, spend time with his family, and enjoy a good game of Euchre. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. SURVIVORS include his two sons, Michael (Tanya) Birr and David (Norma) Birr; seven grandchildren, Andrew (Jenn) Birr, Justin (Jordan) Birr, Meghan (Charlie) Schafer, Kyle Birr, Jacob (Kayla) Birr, Ashlee Kingery, and Amanda (James) Vandentak; six great grandchildren, Easton, Eleanor, Owen, Lawson, Oliver, and Micah; brother, Jerry (Donna) Birr; and sister-in-law, Judy Pranger. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents; step-father, John Alex; and brother-in-law, James Pranger. FUNERAL SERVICES will be 11:00 AM Monday, November 24, 2025, at Laketon Bethel Reformed Church (1568 W. Giles Rd) with the Rev. Dr. Sherwin Brantsen officiating. VISITATION with the family will be from 2-4 PM Sunday, November 23, 2025, at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441 (231) 759-8565, and one hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Burial will take place in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Memorial Contributions in Bill’s name may be made to Laketon Bethel Reformed Church. Share memories with the family online at https://www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?
