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Bill Lundberg

January 6, 1934 - September 17, 2019
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Saturday, September 21, 2019
10:00 AM EDT
First Evangelical Covenant Church
1933 Tremont Blvd NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Web Site

Service

Saturday, September 21, 2019
11:00 AM EDT
First Evangelical Covenant Church
1933 Tremont Blvd NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Covenant Living of the Great Lakes Benevolent Fund
2510 Lake Michigan Drive NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Bill made the world a better place. His generosity, thoughtfulness, and ability to be a friend to even a stranger made him special. He was a loving husband, a caring grandfather, and a wonderful person. We will miss Bill dearly in this life.

The year 1934 was a long one with many events making their mark in future history books. Bill began his life in this year. The world braced itself as many influential leaders were creating conflicts pointing to another world war. Closer to home, the United States faced uncertainty. Americans found themselves stuck deep in The Great Depression, hoping that the future could only look brighter, as it could not get any darker. The need for President Franklin D. Roosevelt's leadership was dire, for many of the country's citizens faced farming emergencies due to the high temps and drought conditions. All the while, the infamous bank robbers, Bonnie and Clyde, found the end of their career after many pursuits, and Alcatraz opened its doors as a federal prison. Finally, just days after the year began, a new life was also welcomed to the world in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On January 6, William and Edith (Johnson) Lundberg's son, William Charles, was born.

Bill's parents worked hard to provide a good life for the family. His father was a salesman, and his mother stayed at home to keep life organized. Religion served as an essential foundation throughout Bill's life, and the family attended Mission Covenant Church. In addition to his dedicated faith, he was also very proud of his Swedish heritage, often claiming, "I am 110% Swedish!"

In time, his parents made some decisions that impacted Bill, as they chose to seek separate paths in life. Bill benefited from this because it gave him a step-sister. Barbara and Bill never lived in the same households, but they got along well and created many childhood memories together.

Bill's mother went to work as a domestic helper for another family. This job required extended periods away from Bill. His Aunt Hilma provided the care he needed, starting at the age of three when his mother had to be away. The two shared a special bond throughout life, as she was there to support him often.

As Bill matured, his love for sports became apparent. In fact, it was so evident that his Aunt Hilma would say, "Bill has a ball for a brain!" Most any sport you can name, Bill wanted to play it. He excelled in basketball and softball. Tennis became a big part of his high school experience, as Bill played on the tennis team and competed in tournaments throughout the state of Michigan. At one point, he suffered a foot injury while attending YMCA camp. His foot became infected, causing him all sorts of long-term grief, but Bill never once let the impact hamper his abilities. Instead, he adapted and carried on with his sporting enthusiasm - and excelled.

Bill was involved in many other activities while he was growing up. He attended Portage Lake Bible Camp to which he contributed even in his adulthood. Bill was also a member of the White Shirt Brigade which consisted of a group of boys led by Bill's uncle. Sponsored by the Children's Bible Hour, they would help with mission work in town. On holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, Bill would spend time with extended family.

Successfully navigating the teenaged years, Bill celebrated earning his diploma from Harrison Park, Union High School with the graduating class of 1952. He set his sights on continuing his education taking courses at Davenport Business College. Finally, he graduated from Ferris State with a bachelors degree.

To support himself through life, Bill held many positions and different jobs. These jobs also provided the opportunity to obtain and maintain his little red Ford convertible. In the earliest years, he delivered newspapers. Later, Bill worked as a caddy at Cascade Country Club. Then he moved onto working as an accountant for Butterworth Hospital, Baker Furniture, Hogan Golf, Pepsi, Rupp Co., and Morton Builders. Finally, he decided to start his own business, Acme Accounting.

Life was not all work, however, because Bill did have a heart for love. He and Leah began a journey together joined by their two sons: Tom and Bryan. They shared many memories as a family. After 15 years together, Leah and Bill chose to head in different directions with a divorce.

Still passionate about finding love in life, Bill was fortunate to meet June Bogucki. They celebrated a marriage in 1980 and shared a great friendship and loving times together. One of their favorite places to go was the beach. They cherished their stays at their Manistee cottage on Lake Michigan. This particular spot was Bill's happiest place on Earth. Perhaps one of the reasons for this feeling was because the cottage hosted many special moments shared with his grandchildren. They would invite two grandchildren at a time to make the memories they created more intimate and special.

Bill and June shared many life experiences. Bill held these close to his heart when he was forced to say a final goodbye to June when she passed away in 2010. With the support of friends, family, and faith, he was able to find joy in life again.

He continued to keep busy participating in many activities. Bill was a member of the Manistee Rotary Club. The local theater sought his advice as a board member, and he regularly attended Manistee United Methodist Church.

Still open to sharing his heart in this life, he met Joan Kowalczyk. The happy couple exchanged wedding vows on December 30, 2010, at Faith United Church of God. The newlyweds spent their first year together in the sunshine state of Florida before settling more permanently at Covenant Living of the Great Lakes in July of 2012. The two found spirituality together as members of First Evangelical Covenant Church.

In his free time, Bill found many ways to enjoy life. He loved to play golf and cheer on the Detroit Lions and the Michigan State Spartans. He also loved good food; Olive Garden and Panera Bread were two of his favorites. He was known for his appetite and his code words for restaurants, such as Pandora Brother for Panera Bread. If you shared a meal with him, you would probably understand his unique code.

In this big world, Bill had a way of making even a stranger feel welcome. He had a beautiful heart, and his way of making people feel special was his way of honoring his love for the Lord. Sadly, Bill passed away on September 17, 2019. As we search for peace in our loss, we can find comfort in remembering Bill's infectious laugh. He was a gem, and we will never forget him.

Loving husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away September 17, 2019. Bill was born in Grand Rapids to the late William and Edith (Johnson) Lundberg. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, June Bogucki-Lundberg; step-sister, Barbara Wiseman; and aunt, Hilma Tournell. Bill will be remembered for his friendly, outgoing, and warm personality. Bill wore his faith, love and emotions for all to see. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Kowalczyk-Lundberg; sons, Tom Lundberg of Grand Rapids, Bryan (Chelle) Lundberg of Grand Rapids; stepchildren, David (Pam) Bogucki of Howard City, Diane (Don) Turney of Grand Rapids, Michael Bogucki of Howard City, Kathy (Tom) Namovich of Novi, Chris (Dan) McIntyre of Rockford, Bill (Aleida) Kowalczyk of Orlando, FL, Sue (Jeff) Tobias of Grand Rapids; step-grandchildren, Keith, Ben, Dylan, and Mira Bogucki, Jason, and Andrea Turney, Jacob, and Lauren Namovich, Sarah (Jason) Essenberg, Mallory McIntyre, Emily (Tyler) Meyerink, Nick (Ashley), and Anna McIntyre, Connor Kowalczyk, Katelyne, Breana, and Trenton Tobias; 5 step great-grandchildren; former wife, Leah Walcott and several cousins. A memorial service will be held Saturday September 21, 2019 at 11 AM at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 1933 Tremont Blvd NW. Friends may visit with family beginning at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Covenant Living of the Great Lakes Benevolent Fund. Please visit Bill's web page to read more of his life story, leave a message of condolence at www.heritagelifestory.com.

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