William Holtgreive

1927 - 2017

William Holtgreive

East Lansing

William A. Holtgreive, Jr. died on August 16, surrounded by his wife and children.  He was 90 years (and one month) old and had recently celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary.

For Bill, a good day was a productive day, and he had many good days. He spent his entire career working at Consumers Power Co. He started as an electrical engineering student as part of working internship program through his alma mater, the University of Detroit, and worked his way through various engineering and management positions until he retired in 1990 as Regional General Manager in Lansing, Michigan. Bill also lent his management and leadership skills to several bank boards, including First National Bank of Michigan in Kalamazoo and First America Bank in Kalamazoo and Lansing.

Bill's career with Consumers Power was just one part of his productive life as a community member. In Jackson, Michigan, he was a member and then president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and was chosen for the JCI Senate. He served as a member and chair for several organizations in Kalamazoo and East Lansing, including United Way, Junior Achievement, Nazareth College, the Lansing Community College Foundation, the Investment Advisory Committee of Mercy Health Services (Farmington Hills), the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Lawrence Hospital & Healthcare System. As chair of the St. Lawrence Board of Trustees, Bill was instrumental in negotiating and executing the merger with Sparrow Hospital. For the past 20 years, he also was actively involved as board member and building committee chair for Pelican's Nest Country Club and Cypress Island Condominium Association in Bonita Springs Florida.

As the oldest of seven and father of six, Bill loved nothing more than being surrounded by family. He is predeceased by his daughter Nancy Ahmann and brother John Holtgreive. He is survived by his wife Joan and children Maryjo (Tim) Lemanski, Janet (Jay) Dean, Paul (Julia) Holtgreive, Denise (Russ) Christy, Amy (Tim) Storey and son-in-law David Ahmann. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren, who will miss his vigorous rough-housing and big bowls of ice cream. He is also survived by two brothers and three sisters.

Throughout his life, Bill had a passion for woodworking and spent many joyful hours in his workshop, making play kitchens, cabinets and frames. He was a loyal Spartan fan. His many hours on the golf course often produced higher scores than he liked, but it also fostered great friendships and shared enjoyment with family.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church will hold a celebration of Bill's life on Saturday, August 19; visitation at 10 AM, Mass at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice House of Michigan (www.sparrowfoundation.org) or St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (https://elcatholics.org/giving).

Online condolences may be expressed at www.greastlansing.com.