Bill passed away September 19, 2023, at Ascension Hospital at 88 years of age.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Velette and their three children, Stacy (Anthony) Kawa, Gail (James) Berman and Todd (Tammy) Svenkesen.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, Broder and Rowan Kawa, Landri and Kamryn Berman, and Zander and Naomi Svenkesen, as well as three sisters, Caroline (Curt) Briggs, Lois Oelfke and Barbara Johnson.  Bill was predeceased by his parents Willie and Margaret, brothers Gunder and Walter and a grandson, Soren Gustav.  Bill was raised in Minnesota, graduating from Frazee High School as an outstanding three sport athlete. He then joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.  When he returned home, he attended Wahpeton School of Science and Valley City State College on football scholarships.  It was at Valley City that he met Velette.  They were recruited by Waterford Schools to come to Michigan and teach.  After one year in education Bill moved to the auto industry and worked in purchasing at Pontiac Motors retiring as Director of Purchasing after 27 years.  Instead of slowing down after retirement Bill decided to transition into investment management.  He joined the team at Flexible Plan Investments where he worked his way up to Vice President of Sales.  He was credited with helping the company grow to become a nationally recognized and awarded company.  Bill retired after another 27 year career at the age of 84. Bill was always a competitive athlete and his love of sports continued through coaching and cheering on his children and grandchildren. He was instrumental in developing the Compuware girl's softball program which provided opportunities for many local girls to earn college scholarships.  He was also a lover of music, theater, and dance.  He and Velette especially enjoyed attending the Fox Theater and the Detroit Symphony.  Two of Bill's favorite musicals were, "Hello Dolly '' and "Man of La Mancha".  This interest in the arts allowed Bill much joy and appreciation while watching performances of his children and grandchildren. Bill always appreciated his graces and sought ways that he could contribute to the larger community.  He was a loyal member of Central United Methodist Church for over 50 years, serving on numerous committees and helping manage church finances.  Bill was also a supporter of the Methodist Children's Home Society serving on their board, as well.If you knew Bill, you know that he was seldom seen without a deck of cards in his hands.  Poker was his way to make spending money in college, later he enjoyed playing Old Maid with the young ones (but he never let them win…they had to win on their own).  Bridge and pinochle connected Bill and Velette to lifelong friends.  They have actually enjoyed 50 years of bridge clubs with many of these special people.  He will be so missed!

Funeral service can be live streamed at: https://waterfordcumc.org/

Central United Methodist Church
3882 Highland Road, Waterford MI 48328
Web: https://waterfordcumc.org/donate

Methodist Children's Home Society
26645 W. Six Mile Road, Redford MI 48240
Web: https://methodistchildrenshomesociety.salsalabs.org/everydaygiving/index.html