William "Bill" Hahnenberg

William ‘Bill' James Hahnenberg, 90, of Midland, died Tuesday morning, Oct. 2, 2012, at Cascades Senior Living in Midland. Bill was born in Lake Leelenau, on March 14, 1922, to Frank and Josephine Kuemin Hahnenberg. Bill was the youngest of seven children; he had five sisters and one brother, all of whom preceded him in death. As a young person, Bill excelled in school, basketball, and baseball, in addition to being a talented violinist. He went into the service in 1942, and served in WWII for three years, two of which he spent in the European Theatre. While there, he served in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, and ultimately, he received numerous medals. Prior to leaving for Europe in 1943, Bill married Margaret Denoyer, also of Lake Leelenau. Bill and Margaret had known each other since they were preschoolers, and went on to be happily married for 69 years. They had four children: Marjorie Ann Noesen, Sandra Sue Scott, Frank William Hahnenberg, and James Joseph Hahnenberg. Bill first worked for Standard Oil Company in Manistee, and later moved his family to Midland, where he raised his children and finished his career with Standard Oil Company. Bill's daughter, Sandra, preceded him in death in 2000.

Bill worked for the Standard Oil Company, and was a successful business man for 30 years. He was respected by his customers, and the company for his honesty and integrity. Upon retiring, Bill and Margaret relocated to New Smyrna Beach, Fla., where they enjoyed over 20 years of life in the home they built inside a golf community. There they were surrounded by close friends, and they enjoyed frequent visits from their children and grandchildren. Bill loved Florida for its warm weather, and the opportunities the sunshine provided for running, playing golf, taking grandchildren to the beach, and tending to his rose garden.

Bill was a sportsman who loved to hunt and fish from the time he was young, until he could do so as a father and grandfather, with his sons and grandsons. Later in life, he was an avid golfer and runner, who started running 5Ks and 10Ks at the age of 70. In his 70's, Bill won many medals in his age group, and he participated in the National Senior Olympics in 1998, at the age of 76. Bill also enjoyed watching and celebrating the successes of his Michigan teams, whether it was the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, UM or Michigan State.

Above all, Bill Hahnenberg was devoted to his family, and he will be remembered for his generosity, honesty, integrity and humor. Bill leaves behind his three living children, Marjorie, Bill and James; as well as six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great -great grandson.

A memorial liturgy will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Fr. Peter J. Gaspeny will officiate, with inurnment at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Full military honors will be presented by the Midland Area Veteran's and the United States Army. The Hahnenberg family will greet guests at the church on Monday, from 10 a.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Fostering Futures. www.waresmithwoolever.com