William B. "Bill" Tobias' Obituary
Mr. William Bruce “Bill” Tobias, age 63, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2011, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born January 28, 1948 in Jackson, MI to William E. and Marjorie H (Filip) Tobias. Bill received his bachelor of science degree in education from Wayne State University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during the Viet Nam Era. He married the former Linda Kolarik in Grand Rapids on January 5, 1980 and she survives him. He worked 30 years as a Veteran Employment Representative for the State of Michigan and retired in 2010. Bill was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as the former Director of Evangelism and played the part of the prophet Isaiah the past 10 years in the Live Christmas Nativity. Bill was also a member of the American Legion Post 9 where he served as a service officer. He was a life member and past commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11 and a member of the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club. Bill was also active in area barbershop quartets including the Great Lakes Chorus and the Muskegon Chorus, and was a proud friend of Bill W. SURVIVORS include his wife, Linda Tobias of Norton Shores; his daughter, Victoria Tobias of Muskegon; his sister, Mary (Rick) Bartling of Grand Rapids; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Monday, July 11, 2011 at Trinity Lutheran Church (3225 Roosevelt Rd.) with Pastor Dennis L. Lassanske officiating. Military Honors will be offered by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans and the Michigan National Guard. INTERMENT will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Grand Rapids. VISITATION will be held 5-8 PM Sunday at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey Street, (231) 798-1100. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service, 10-11 AM Monday at the church. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or the American Legion Post 9. Sign the guest book on-line at www.sytsemafh.com
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