William "Bill" Engelhard's Obituary
Mr. William R. “Bill” Engelhard, age 93, passed away early Monday morning, October 26, 2009 in Muskegon. Bill was born May 29, 1916 to William F. and Anna (Ryan) Engelhard in Paw Paw, MI, and moved to Muskegon from Kalamazoo in 1941. He was a WWII U.S. Air Force veteran, enjoyed deer hunting, golf, working in his yard and gardening. He studied theater and song at Western Michigan University. Bill worked at Lappo Lumber for over 30 years before retiring. He loved taking care of his customers at the lumber yard, second only to his love for his family. He and Katie were founding members of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where he ushered for over 50 years. On November 17, 1945 Bill married Katherine “Katie” Gary in Muskegon, and she survives him along with 5 children, Cathy (Dan) Alvesteffer of Roosevelt Park, Bill J. Engelhard of Grand Rapids, Tom (Janene) Engelhard of Jenison, Mary (Jim) Curcuru of N. Muskegon, Martha (Tom) Tutak of Norton Shores; 11 grandchildren, Tom, Joe, Kelly, Kristin, Travis, Jordan, Leah, Nicole, Kimmy, Rachel, and Kari; 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 1 brother, John, and 1 sister, Florence. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Thursday at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, with the Rev. Fr. Anton Tran presiding. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION at
The Walburn Chapel
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
1547 W. Sherman Blvd.
(231) 759-8565
will be from 5-8 PM Wednesday, and 1 hour prior to the service at church. A scripture service will take place at 6:30 PM Wed. evening. You may sign the family’s on-line guest book at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, or Harbor Hospice.
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