William Ellingboe

1943 - 2024

William "Bill" Ellingboe, age 81, of Spring Lake, passed away peacefully Monday, October 14, 2024. He was born April 20, 1943, in Crystal Falls to Lloyd and Lucille (Doucette) Ellingboe. On September 19, 1970, he married Marie Nash, and after 54 years of devotion to each other, she passed away April 28, 2024.

William was a member of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church and former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He served on multiple civic boards, and was a member of the Grand Haven Eagles and American Legion. He served his country as a captain in the U.S. Army during the 1960s, and retired as the director of Social Services for Montmorency and Oscoda counties.

As a youth, Bill was a talented tennis and football player. He graduated from Michigan State University, and remained an ardent fan throughout his life. As a husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed cooking family recipes and his own tasteful concoctions. He coached youth sports teams for both of his sons, and passed along this timeless advice: "Before every pitch, know what you're going to do if the ball is hit to you."

In retirement, Bill and Marie loved traveling to Europe, as well as supporting the varied interests of their grandchildren. He was kind, generous, and always willing to play host to family celebrations and spirited cocktail hours. He leaves a lasting memory of dedication to his church, wife and family.

He is survived by two sons, Tom (Christine) Ellingboe and Bill Ellingboe; stepdaughter, Lisa (Jon) Brown; two grandchildren, Drew and Jordanne Ellingboe; five step-grandchildren: Blair, Kellyn and McKenna Horgan, J.T. (Emily) and Josh (Erica) Brown; two great-step-grandchildren, Luna and Lilly Brown; in-laws Char Nash, Dean Nash and Casey (Mary) Nash; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Eric; wife, Marie; and brother, Thomas (Mary) Ellingboe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 18, 2024, at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Interment will take place in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of William may be given to Harbor Hospice of Michigan or the Alzheimer's Association. Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.