William Marz

With a life that spanned nearly a century, William Marz inspires us to make the most of the moments we are given. Someone who seemed to be gifted with nine lives, Bill was resilient, hard working, and devoted to the family he treasured. With the love of his life by his side for more than 60 years, Bill always made sure there was time to spend with his family, and also did what he could to support his loved ones whether in ways great or small. With the beliefs of the Catholic faith engraved upon his heart, Bill lived a life of compassion, and kindhearted deeds that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many.

Born in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, William Frances was welcomed into the arms of his parents, Charles and Agnes (Daniels) Marz, during a time in our nation’s history that was plagued with issues that defined the generation. With unsafe working conditions that peppered cities from coast to coast, countless Americans endured injuries on the job at an alarming rate. It was just as the calendar turned to welcome the year 1915 that baby William joined the bustling Marz family on January 2nd that included his four older siblings. He was later joined in his family by five younger siblings. Bill’s father worked as a farmer of soybeans, corn, and cows and with such a large clan to care for, Bill’s mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home.

Even from his earliest years Bill was one to stay busy. He attended Catholic Elementary School in his hometown until the eighth grade, as was common during this generation. He was known to be a bit adventurous and mischievous, and he established his ability to defy the odds as he suffered a ruptured appendix during his formative years and was not expected to live. Live he did, however, and this wouldn’t be the first time Bill was lucky to say the least.

From the farming industry Bill went into the oil industry as he began working in the oil fields in Mount Pleasant, which happened to be the largest oil fields in the entire state. He was only just over five feet tall, but he was strong - so much so that his nickname was “Little Sampson.” Bill eventually came to work the oil fields in Grand Rapids and boarded on the old O'Brien Farm on O'Brien Road. By that time the farm was owned by the Green family who had two daughters, Nellie and Virginia, both of whom assisted with the chores for the boarders. Bill stayed on the third floor with the other boarders, and it wasn’t long before sparks flew between him and Nellie. True love blossomed while the couple dated for a time. With a desire to build a life together, Bill and Nellie were married in 1940 at her parents‘ home in a combined service with her sister who also married an oil worker.

The newlyweds settled on farm property in a vacant house that was often used as a place for additional workers. The couple soon began welcoming children into their hearts and home. Together they were blessed with six children including Robert, Gerald, Frances, Dennis, Chris, and Michael. When their first home burned down in 1945, Bill and Nellie moved their growing family to a home on Fennessy Lake for seven years until they built a new home back on O'Brien Road. Bill continued to work in the oil fields until the mid-sixties and was even pulled from an oil rig explosion - amazingly surviving without injury. He enjoyed his work in the industry and loved the Willie Jeeps he drove at work.

After leaving his work in the oil fields, Bill became a full-time auto mechanic and attendant and worked in several service stations in Standale. Skilled in his work, Bill’s son gave him the nickname, “Finnigan.”

He always made time to spend with the people he loved most. He liked to small game hunt, and this was a hobby he shared with his boys. Bill was a great teacher, too, as he was an excellent shot. He enjoyed regular family cookouts and often drove back to Mount Pleasant to visit family. Gathering with friends was always a fun time also including frequent visits with their good friends the Agins and the Nelles. In 1970, he went to work for his son when he began driving a wrecker for his sons' company, Marz Collision.

Through the years there were many things Bill enjoyed. He was a longtime member of Holy Spirit Parish on the north side of town. Bill was a huge stock car racing fan who enjoyed keeping up with the NASCAR circuit as well as occasional nights out at Berlin Raceway. Bill always had a special place in his heart for dogs, especially German Shepherds, and he had several bird dogs through the years. He liked cheering on the Red Wings, and he was also known to watch Big Time Wrestling on television. When it came to his eating habits, Bill was a real meat and potatoes kind of guy who liked a big breakfast and when ketchup was in order, he used so much of it that everything else was sort of like a side dish. As his friends and family can attest, Bill also never turned down a piece of his wife’s sweet apple pie. Although he was never too picky about the make or model, Bill always drove a pickup of some kind.

Big changes were in store for Bill in 2003 with the death of his dear wife. He kept busy though and continued to work for Marz, sweeping floors and as a dispatcher. Bill always took an extended lunch break, however, so he could get home just in time to catch Judge Judy. Following the final verdict, Bill would regularly head out to mow his three acres of lawn on his Simplicity tractor, which was his favorite thing to do.

In so many ways, William Marz was a gift in the lives of those around him. A devoted family man, loyal friend, and thoughtful man, Bill will be deeply missed.

William F. Marz died on Saturday, September 3, 2011. Bill’s family includes his children, Robert (Cynthia) Marz, Frances (Phillip) Davis, Chris (Candy) Marz, and Michael (Anne Marie Hojnacki) Marz; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie and sons, Gerald and Dennis Marz. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW in Grand Rapids. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes in Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in his memory may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church. To archive a memory or sign the guestbook, please visit the online obituary for William Marz at www.lifestorynet.com.