William Edward Tuttle Jr.

William Edward Tuttle Jr. obituary

William Edward Tuttle Jr.

Upcoming Events

Sep

17

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Brown Funeral Home

521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120

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Sep

18

Service

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Brown Funeral Home

521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120

Send Flowers

Only 4 hours left for delivery to next service.

William Tuttle Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Niles on Sep. 14, 2025.

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William Edward Tuttle Jr., aged 78, departed from this world on September 10, 2025, in Buchanan, Michigan. Born on March 23, 1947, in South Bend, Indiana, he was a man whose laughter and vivacious spirit brought warmth to every gathering.

William was a dedicated serviceman, having proudly served in the U.S. Navy for an admirable 21 years. This period of his life exemplified his unwavering commitment to his country and the virtues of discipline and honor he carried with him always. His military career was a cornerstone of his life's narrative, and he often shared tales of the seas with a glint of nostalgia in his eyes.

On September 14, 1996, William's heart was forever intertwined with that of Bonnie (Steinbaugh) Tuttle's as they were united in marriage in the city of Buchanan, Michigan, where they built a life filled with unspeakable joy and companionship.

William will be lovingly remembered for his larger-than-life personality. Whether it was his passion for bow hunting, carving through the greens of a golf course, or steadily knocking down pins at the local bowling alley, he approached each pastime with the same gusto and determination. His laughter was contagious, his stories captivating, and his ability to connect with his grandchildren in teaching them life's little lessons was truly special. An eternally young soul, William fondly recalled his youthful days spent roller skating and dancing, carrying the same energy and enthusiasm into watching Jeopardy challenges and sharing in banter with friends and family.

His relentless spirit was such that he accepted no limitations, always challenging the word 'impossible.' Those who knew Bill understood that his love for his wife was paramount, his care for her evident in every aspect of their shared life.

William was predeceased by his father, William Tuttle Sr.; his mother, Shirley Slater; his sister, Cheryl Kern; and his brother, Charles Tuttle. He is survived by his devoted wife, Bonnie; his sister, Carol True; his two sons from a previous union, William (Theresa) Tuttle III and Clifford (Annette) Tuttle; his stepchildren, Char Blankenship and Todd Butts; his cherished grandchildren, Ian, Bradley, Alexis, Joe, Brian, Jonah, and Zachary; his adored great-grandchildren, Sylis, Maxwell, Evelyn, Bailey, Aiden, Christopher, and Jessie; and a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom will deeply miss his guiding light and generous spirit.

A visitation will be held for William at Brown Funeral Home from 4:00pm-7:00pm on September 17, where a funeral service will be held the day following, September 18, beginning at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in William's name may be made out to the Buchanan Legion Post 51, 403 E Front St, Buchanan, MI 49107.

The void left by William Edward Tuttle Jr.'s departure will be felt profoundly by all who knew him, yet the stories he told and the memories he created will serve as an enduring legacy, encapsulating a life lived to the fullest. He sailed through life's oceans with valor, and now, may he rest in boundless peace.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Yesterday

CAPT Stanley A Sowinski USN(ret) posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Buril Smith posted to the memorial.

September 14, 2025

Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Niles announced events.

2 Entries

CAPT Stanley A Sowinski USN(ret)

Yesterday

Bill was a GREAT sailor and a good friend. I had the honor to be his CO from 1990 to 1992. May he rest in Peace.
CAPT Stanley A Sowinski USN(ret)

Buril Smith

Yesterday

Bill was a great first person to meet, when I started my new job in 1992. He helped me often and his patience with me helped shape me to return the favor many times over in my 30+ at work. My condolences to his family.

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Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Niles

521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120

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Upcoming Events

Sep

17

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Brown Funeral Home

521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120

Send Flowers

Sep

18

Service

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Brown Funeral Home

521 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120

Send Flowers

Only 4 hours left for delivery to next service.