Bill Yoder, 87

William Henry Yoder, age 87, of Burr Oak, Michigan passed away early Sunday afternoon, July 7, 2013 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

He was born September 29, 1925 in Millersburg, Indiana son of the late Samuel and Nancy (Weirich) Yoder.

Bill resided in Burr Oak since 1955. His early life was lived in Shipshewana, Indiana. On April 21, 1951 he married Freida Casner in Port Huron, Michigan.

He retired from the Kirsch Company in Sturgis following 38 years of dedicated employment as a pipe fitter. Following his retirement he owned and operated Bill’s Plumbing and Installation until he was forced to retire due to health reasons.

Bill was a member of the Community Bible Church in Sturgis and for many years was an active member of the First Church of God in Sturgis.

Bill was a man that was happiest when he was busy. Some of his interests and involvements included beekeeping, raising strawberries, fishing, hunting, turtle trapping, mushroom hunting, woodworking, playing softball and basketball and his homemade ice cream will be missed by many. For several years he and his wife were 4-H leaders. He truly enjoyed the mission trips he took to Guatemala and Trinidad Tobago.

He is survived by his wife, Freida; three sons: William Yoder of Burr Oak, Dennis (Sue) Yoder of Sturgis and Randall (Lorie) Yoder of Burr Oak; five grandchildren: Daryn, Timothy, Fawn, Terren and Sarah; several great grandchildren; one sister: Goldie Nuet of Elkhart, Indiana; sister-in-law: Rita Yoder of Elkhart, Indiana and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter: Vicki Lynn Boyle; four brothers: Ray, Truman, Harley and Oscar Yoder and one sister: Edna Boling.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. Funeral services celebrating the life of William H. Yoder will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday at the Community Bible Church, 223 N. Maple St. in Sturgis. Pastor Steve Wisler will officiate. In accordance with his wishes cremation will follow the services. Private burial of the ashes will take place at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak at a later date.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Yoder’s memory consider the Community Bible Church, 223 N. Maple St., Sturgis, MI 49091.