Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Saturday

February 2, 2013

William F. Mick

----

FRANKFORT — William F. Mick, 95, of Frankfort, died Jan. 27, 2013.

Bill grew up on a family farm on Mick Road in Frankfort. He had two brothers and two sisters. They all attended the McKinstry School, a one-room country school next to their farm. Bill and his siblings attended high school in Frankfort, where Bill played football, sang in the boys choir and was valedictorian of his senior class. He went to Central Michigan University after high school, where he majored in education and where he met his future wife, Ruth Johnson. They both loved music and enjoyed the weekly dances at Central.

Upon graduating from CMU Bill accepted a position as instructor in a private high school for the sons of executives at Dow Chemical Company in Midland.

Bill and Ruth were married in 1941 and Bill began his 38-year career as a research chemist for Dow.

He played leadership roles in the Midland First Baptist Church and in the Bullock Creek School System.

Bill and Ruth had three daughters whom they raised in Midland. Bill was a devoted father and husband. He loved gardening, taking his family on camping trips, working around the house, going up north to help build the family cottage and recreational activities such as water skiing and fishing.

After retiring Bill and Ruth built a house on Upper Herring Lake in Frankfort, where they both enjoyed spending time with family, working in their large garden and taking trips across the country. They found friendship and fulfillment through their involvement in the Blaine Christian Church, which had been Bill's family church during his childhood. Sadly, Ruth passed away in 1987.

Bill married his former high school classmate, Jean (Straubel) Holland, in 1989. Bill and Jean enjoyed traveling and family gatherings.

In his senior years Bill would often share memories from his childhood with others. He related humorous and serious stories about life around Frankfort in a way that has helped to keep the past alive for anyone who heard his stories. Bill loved to talk and laugh. He also found much pleasure and satisfaction in working on "fix-it" projects at home. His loved ones were continually impressed by his work ethic, his honesty and his willingness to learn and to grow. Bill graciously accepted what life gave him, including the difficult times. He generosity, kindness, dedication to family and determination to get the most out of life will always be remembered and appreciated by family members and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jean Holland Mick; daughters, Marilyn (William) Thornton, JoAn Stikes and Sharon (Frank) McAuley; grandchildren, Lisa Stikes, Eric (Laura) Stikes, Stacey (Kyle) Sheiko and Erin McAuley; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Sheiko, Ella Stikes and Lily Apple; brother, Bernard (Harriet) Mick; nieces and nephews, Kathy (Tom) Mitchell, Robert (Nancy) Campbell, William (Mary Lou) Mick, James (Marge) Mick, Donald (Barbara) Mick, Ronald (Betty) Mick, Sigrid (Rich) Gray, Jeanne (Dennis) Wolfgang, Jon (Mary) Johnson, Craig (Pat) Campbell, Lorie (James) Smith, William (Christine) Darrow, Nathan (Kellie) Mick, Andrew (Julie) Mick, Bryan (Laura) Mick, Alexis, (Adam) Mercer, Meredith Mick, Zane (Danielle) Gray, Heather (Kirk) Bruce, Mandy (Justin) Rineer, John (Stephanie) Burkhart, Nikki Mick, Cally Campbell, Ashley Gehring and Heidi (Frank) Purdy; and many others. He is also survived by stepchildren, Fred (Pat) Holland, Fran Fehrenbach, Barbara (Phil) Parker and Ed (Laurie) Holland; and many step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by sisters, Ethel (Edward) Campbell and Mildred Mick; brother, Reynold (Helen) Mick; siblings-in-law, Gene (Kay) Johnson and Floyd (Audrey) Johnson; niece, Ronna Johnson; nephew, Larry Campbell; niece-in-law, Ilene Campbell; step nephew, Dan Straubel; and step son-in-law, Harvey Fehrenbach.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at Blaine Christian Church, with the Rev. Robert Larimer officiating. There will be a visitation beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Gilmore Twp. Cemetery in the spring.

Contributions may be directed to Blaine Christian Church, B.A.C.N. or Habitat for Humanity.

Arrangements are by Jowett Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

Text Only