Big Rapids – William T. Golz, 90, of Big Rapids, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2009, at Altercare of Big Rapids.
 
He was born June 29, 1918, in Pitcairn, PA, the son of Herman and Bertha (Wilhelms) Golz, and was baptized there as an infant.  Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Wisconsin, and William was confirmed from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hamburg in 1932.  Later that year, his family moved to the Big Rapids area, where he has lived since.
 
During World War II, Bill served with the U.S. Army in Germany.  Following his discharge, he returned to the area, and on April 26, 1952, he married Jane C. Dry.
 
Bill was a long-time area farmer, and worked at Hanchett’s Manufacturing for several years,  He was an electrician by trade, and worked for the Gardner-Denver Corporation in Reed City for over 20 years until retiring in 1980. 
 
Bill was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Big Rapids.  He also belonged to the AmVets Post #1941, the Big Rapids American Legion Post #98, and the VFW.
 
Bill is survived by his wife Jane; sister Velma McDonald of Big Rapids; niece Corrine Andrews of  Florence, MS; nephews Dan (Julie) McDonald and Craig McDonald, both of Big Rapids; and several great-nieces and –nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his brother Norman, his brother-in-law L.M. “Mack” McDonald, and a niece Linda McDonald. 
 
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, with Rev. John Bookshaw officiating.  Burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Memorial contributions for St. Peter’s may be left at the church, where Bill’s family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday until service time.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.

Tags: Obituaries //