Mr. William Albert "Bill" Wrase Sr.'s Obituary
Mr. William Albert Wrase Sr., age 92, peacefully passed away Saturday, June 28, 2014. He was born to William Albert and Marie Elizabeth (Holy) Wrase on September 30, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois. After attending Loyola Academy, he continued his education at Northwestern University graduating from Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science in 1943 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bill served in the U.S. Navy as First Lieutenant and Chief Engineering Officer on the U.S.S. Naifeh DE 352 in the South Pacific Theater from 1943-1946. He married Lois Ruth Hintze, also of Chicago, on November 23, 1946 at St. Ignatius Church in Chicago. He has spent the last 68 years of his life in Muskegon. Bill was Chief Engineer at S.D. Warren Co. - Central Mill, more recently known as Scott Paper or Sappi from 1946 - 1985. He was Chairman of the Building Committee and Resident Engineer of the Marcel Breuer designed church of St. Francis de Sales during its construction 1964 - 1966, and in 1991. He actively served on the Board of Directors of the U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum for over twenty years, as well as other boards in the community: United States Power Squadrons, Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), and Professional Engineers. He was a contributing member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, Navy League of the United States, the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association (DESA), and the American Legion. SURVIVORS include his daughters: Jo Anne (Roger) Hoekenga, Judith (Eric) Douville, Jill (Bruce) Holwerda, Jeanne (Charles) Morris; his son, Brian (Jill) Wrase; his daughter-in-law, Jill Jehle Wrase; and his eight grandchildren: Sara Holwerda (Adam Gratch), Adam Holwerda, Andrew (Lucile) Morris, Leann (fiancé Bradley) Morris, Joshua (fiancée Stephanie) Wrase, Kurt (Tracy) Wrase, Austin Wrase and Jaclyn Wrase. William was preceded in death by his wife Lois; son William Jr.; parents: William and Marie Wrase; and sisters: Marie Fuget and Ruth Carmody. CELEBRATION OF ETERNAL LIFE MASS will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, July 24, 2014, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 2929 McCracken St., Muskegon, MI., with Reverend Fr. Philip P. Salmonowicz presiding. CELEBRATION OF LIFE VISITATION to be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, 6-8 PM at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to St. Francis de Sales Church Preservation Fund, U.S.S. Silversides Submarine Museum, or Harbor Hospice.
You may visit the family's online guest book at www.systemafh.com
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