William A. Van Dis

William “Bill” Van Dis was a proud lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born on April 24, 1949, at Bronson Hospital to Robert and Mary Elizabeth Aldrich Van Dis. Both preceded him in death. Bill was also preceded in death by Pat (Woodman) and Rolla Anderson, his dear mother and father-in-law. Bill was a graduate of Loy Norrix High School and Albion College. Along with his wife Susan (Anderson) and their two boys, Bill is survived by his sister Mary Beth Van Dis Bauman (Ken) and their family. Bill was loved by and married to his wife Susan for 47 years.

Bill and Susan have two sons, Andrew William Van Dis (Emily) and Daniel Anderson Van Dis (Lindsey) who survive him. Five beloved grandchildren also survive him: Isabella, Abbigale, William, Logan, and Taylor. Bill was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Bill cared for his family with a deep steadfast love and they will miss him.

After Bill graduated from Albion College in 1971, he spent two years serving in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he went to work for his family business V&A Bootery. He had a 50+ year career there, most of that time spent as President. He had great pride in following the footsteps of his grandfather and namesake, William Van Dis, Sr., his father Robert Van Dis, and uncles Howard and Melvin Van Dis. Bill worked diligently at the store and enjoyed watching the business grow during his tenure. He was happy to be succeeded in the family business by his son, Daniel, upon his retirement in February. He cherished his relationships in the shoe business greatly, but especially the many who worked alongside him at V&A Bootery over his long tenure.

Bill served on many community and church committees. He was past Vice Moderator and Moderator of First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo. He served on the National Shoe Retailers Board and was active on several of their committees. Bill was the last President of Downtown Kalamazoo Association, the predecessor to Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated. He served on many committees within this organization including as President of the DKI Charities. Bill was active in the USTA Boys 16 & 18 Tennis Tournament serving as the Chairman of the Marketing Committee. Bill served as President of the Voluntary Action Center Board. He was also on the Board of the Kalamazoo YMCA and the Association Board of Kalamazoo Christian Schools. He gave his time selflessly to these committees and boards in a hope to make the community better.

Bill enjoyed being athletic from his High School and College days to more recently skiing out west with his buddies. Bill also enjoyed playing tennis and golf. He especially enjoyed playing golf with his sons. He had a regular game with his father-in-law, Rolla Anderson, and sons Andrew and Daniel on Father’s Day for many years! A staple in the tennis community, Bill was involved in many regular games and leagues and always became a fast friend on the court. Bill was also grateful for the fellowship of his former Monday morning Bible Study group and his Moors Golf friends. 

Lastly and most important he was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a genuinely nice guy. He will be missed and forever remembered by his family!

 In accordance with his wishes, Bill has been cremated and will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery, in Augusta, Michigan in a private family interment. His memorial service will be held on November 1, 2024, 315 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007, 10am at First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo with visitation to follow. 

Gifts in his honor can be given to any organization or Church that supports the greater Kalamazoo area.