Died October 30, 2005
THOMPSONVILLE - William "Bill" Ray Fitzner of Thompsonville, died Sunday evening, Oct. 30, 2005, at Munson Medical Center, after a brief illness.
Bill was born in St. Joseph on Dec. 9, 1930. He was the son of the late John Jay Fitzner and Vena Goody of St. Joseph. On Dec. 23, 1951, he married the former Mae Kerfoot of Eads, Colo.
Bill served in the United States Army from 1949 to 1952. Bill and Mae settled in the village of Thompsonville. It was there they raised four children.
In the early years, he spent 16 years as a butcher at the former Tannahill and DeYoung meat packing company of Traverse City. He also spent years cutting meat at the Copemish Market and the former Griner's of Interlochen. He spent his final 13 years of employment as custodian for the Traverse City Public Schools, working at Cherry Knoll and Central Grade Schools.
Throughout his employment, spanning some 50 years, he maintained a salvage yard in Thompsonville. He called it his "Junk Yard." Second to his family, the junk yard was the love of his life. He spent many hours there in total bliss, while at the same time cultivating a large number of friendships in the process. Including this busy schedule, he managed to operate a local wrecker service.
Bill had many interests and he indulged in them with the pure joy of it all. He was a 50 year member of the American Legion, earning the status of Life Member, Color Guard, Firing Squad and Sergeant of Arms. He was a member of the Harmonica Hobo's and regularly performed with the group at nursing homes and various functions.
Bill loved music. Being a big man, he was marvelously light on his feet as a dancer. Bill and Mae were the proud owners of a 1930 model A "Woody." They proudly displayed the auto at many local auto shows, being awarded many first place trophies. Their interest lead them to enter the auto in the National Model A Ford Show in such places as Chicago, Indianapolis, Dearborn, Landcaster and New York, where the competition was rather fierce, yet they still began accepting plaques for their unique vehicle.
Above all, this man was a devoted husband and family man. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mae Fitzner; his children, Linda (Patrick) Belanger of Beulah, Kathy (David) Bellemore of Traverse City, Tammy (Jan) Hansen of Olympia, Wash., and son, William Craig Fitzner of Thompsonville; five grandchildren, Tricia, Lena and Joe of Traverse City and Makyia and Joshua of Olympia, Wash. Bill is also survived by his sister, Myrtie Dewey of Haines City, Fla.
Friends may call at the First Congregational Church of Thompsonville today, Nov. 3, 2005, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m., also at the church, with additional visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Thompsonville Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the Read-Osborne American Legion Post 531.
In remembrance of Bill, memorials may be directed to the Read-Osborne American Legion Post 531, 18483 Cadillac Highway, Copemish, MI 49625.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
