William Osantowski

William Eugene Osantowski "Bill"

On September 10, 2025, Bill's 40-plus year battle with Parkinson's disease was finally over and he was called home to rest.

Bill was born on May 12, 1956, to Jerry and Dianne (Hartz) Osantowski. He lived his entire life in Tuscola County. A 1974 graduate of Reese High School, Bill met his wife and best friend Sybil (DuRussel) through his friendship with her brothers. Bill and Sib were united in marriage on June 4, 1977, and enjoyed a full and eventful 48 years together.

Bill was a hunter, fisherman, bowler, football and baseball player, and a supreme Elvis Presley fan. He shared his love of the outdoors and sports with his three daughters and many nieces and nephews- always up for a game, competition, or good time. Bill and Sib enjoyed trips to Northern Michigan while Bill was still able to travel. Bill also had immense pride in his daughters and grandchildren and was a great spectator of many concerts, plays, recitals, and sporting events.

While Bill was a great example of how to have fun, he was also a role model for what hard-working meant. He worked as long as his disease would let him on the family farm, at GM, Arnold & Sautter, Sebewaing/Tower Industries, PineTech, and Bucholz Trucking. Bill was known for his dependability and work ethic, and his competitive nature led to him setting several shift records.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Sybil; daughters Barbara (Joseph) Laking, Susan (Shawn) Davis, and Kimberly (Andrew) Schott; grandchildren Brooklyn, Parker, Carter, and Holden; parents Jerry and Dianne Osantowski; siblings Debra (Dan) Mumy, Donna (Allen) Vollmar, Brian (Rebecca) Osantowski, and Bradley (Stephanie) Osantowski; brothers- and sisters-in-law Denise (Bradford) Querry, Ruth (Dale) Sautter, Robert (Cheryl) DuRussel, Mary Bronkan, and Timothy DuRussel as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill was welcomed into heaven by his grandparents, mother- and father-in-law, and several close friends.

In addition to Sib, the very best nurse and caregiver, sincere thanks go out to brother Brad for always being available for a tow and the Covenant At Home Hospice team for their assistance with Bill's final leg of his journey.

The Funeral Liturgy for Bill will be celebrated at 11:00 am Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Reese. Father Josepaul Pasala will officiate. Bill's family will receive friends at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home in Reese on Monday September 15, 2025, from 3-8 pm and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the Liturgy.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in memory of Bill are asked to consider the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation.

All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored that the Osantowski family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made at wswfh.com.