William "Bill" Koshaba

KOSHABA, William "Bill" - May 20, 1925 - September 1, 2008. Bill went to be with the Lord on September 1, 2008, at age 83, with his family by his side, in his home in Concord, California, after a two-year battle with cancer. Bill was born and raised in Millington, Michigan, the son of John and Salby Koshaba. At 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country in World War II and took his Basic Training at Camp Callan, La Jolla, CA. He attended advanced Anti-Aircraft training at Fort Ord, CA, and was sent overseas with the 77th Infantry Division. Bill was stationed at various islands in the South Pacific and was in the Military Police Unit in Hokaito, Japan. In 1946, he received an Honorable Discharge and returned to Michigan. In 1948, Bill married Esther Esse and they had daughter, Billie Carla Raney, Concord, CA, granddaughter, Gina-Marie Elizabeth Raney, San Jose, CA, and grandson, Steven William Raney, Concord, CA. Bill also leaves behind brother, Wilson Koshaba (Annie), Flushing, MI; sisters ,Bella Woodhouse, Merritt Island, FL and Virginia Stanfield, Flint, MI; brother-in-law, Morris Solomon, Flushing, MI; nieces and nephew. Bill began his career at General Motors as a production worker at AC Spark Plug. He also worked at Chevrolet Manufacturing in Flint; as a Shop Committeeman at Otterburn in Swartz Creek; and as a Journeyman Pipefitter at Saginaw Chevrolet Manufacturing. He retired from GM in 1974 after 31 years of service. Bill married Mae Evelyn (Sharp) Ramsey in 1976 and his family grew: stepchildren, Dianna Sanford (Dan), Argentine, MI, Donald Ramsey (Diane), Linden, MI; grandchildren, Jodi, David, Nick, Mark, Heather, and great-grand-children. Bill and Evelyn resided in Lawrenceburg, KY and Swartz Creek, MI. Bill was a self-taught carpenter who enjoyed building several houses during his lifetime. He also started his own business, "Bill's Mobile Home Service", which he operated for over 25 years with grandson, Mark Hildebrandt. In 2004 his beloved Evelyn preceded him in death, and Bill moved to CA to live with his daughter where he enjoyed going out for breakfast, playing cards, and taking walks with Peanut, his "pup". Bill was a wonderful father and grandfather. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be sadly missed. Bill is preceded in death by parents; brothers Carl "Bash" and George; sisters, Jean (Guoan) and Deana (Solomon). Visitation: Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 W. Hill Road, Flint, MI, on Saturday and Sunday, September 6--7, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service: Mayfair Bible Church, 5339 W. Pierson Rd., Flushing, MI, on Monday, September 8, 11:00 a.m., (viewing 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.). Pastor Len Lason officiating. Interment: Assyrian Cemetery of Flint, 4751 Branch Road, Flint, MI. Memorial Service: Clayton Valley Church, 5430 Michigan Ave., Concord, CA, September 14, 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Assyrian Cemetery of Flint, P.O. Box 13601, Flint, MI 48501.