William J. Thorpe Jr.

Thorpe, William J. Jr. 8/22/1921 - 12/30/2014 William J. Thorpe, Jr., age 93 of Grand Rapids passed away at his home comforted by his family. He was born the son of William J. Thorpe, Sr. and Hazel Marie Thorpe. He enlisted in the United States Army on October 8, 1941, and received an honorable discharge on February 8, 1946. He graduated Magna Cum Laude at the U of M and remained a Wolverine fan for life. He also received a Masters degree in engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. Upon his discharge from his service from the Army he met his future bride, Jane Josephine Nesbitt Turner. He adopted her son, Kenneth Turner, and together they had two sons, Timothy and Robert. He remained faithfully loyal to her until Jane's death in 1987. William was a life member of the VFW and the American Legion Post 459, where he was a past post commander. He spent several years as the coordinator for the 4th of July parade, fireworks at Fuller Park, Veteran's Day Parade, volunteered for numerous other organizations. He was also an Honor Guard for the fallen and made sure that every veteran's grave was adorned with a flag. On July 27, 2006, he married his present wife, Helen Waldie. In addition to his wife he is survived by his two sons, Robert (Vicki) and Timothy (Laura), and daughter-in-law, Lilo. William was preceded in death by his son Kenneth. Other survivors are his sister, Margaret, a niece, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and Linda (Don) Michael, and Deborah Bouwkamp. Bill's family and friends will gather at the Neal Fonger Post - American Legion on March 5, at 4:00PM located at 2327 Wilson Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.