William "Bill" Walczak

William “Bill” Thomas Walczak quietly passed away on July 11, 2024, at Rest Haven in Holland, Michigan.

Bill was born in Chicago, IL on August 26, 1935, to Polish & Bohemian immigrants Casmir “Frank” & Mary “Mae” Walczak. As the youngest of 4 boys, he liked emulating the footsteps of his older brothers. Bill attended Catholic school from kindergarten through the 6th grade and transferred over to Allegan Middle School and High School when the family relocated to a farm in Pullman, Michigan. Bill helped run the farm along with his father and got involved in 4H during his school years. He played football throughout high school and graduated in May 1953. Although wanting to pursue an agricultural degree, life had other plans for him. He met and went on to marry Mariel McCarty in 1956 and out of that union came 5 wonderful children. Bill taught them how to water ski, hunt, fish, golf and change tires.

After 46 years he retired from Bohn Aluminum in Holland. He started working there as a janitor and worked his way up to Director of Health, Safety and Environment. During his career, he coached a league of softball with Bohn employees.

In April 1978, Bill married Alixandra Van Bragt and they combined their 8 children. They made their home in many wonderful places: Fennville, Minor Lake, Pine Bay, and Holland. Loving adventure, they traveled all over the USA together, from Florida to Alaska, as well as internationally.

Bill loved the outdoors; he was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. This was evidenced by the stuffed and mounted turkey and the stuffed Coho salmon which were hanging on his walls. Other hobbies included boating and traveling to old and new places. As a connoisseur of crossword puzzles and sudoku, he daily took part in these activities as an early morning ritual. Bill enjoyed being busy and especially loved learning new trades. Case in point, he crafted a pair of snowshoes and turned his ice shanty into a comfy igloo for ice fishing. He was a huge fan of watching football and baseball games. He was one of the biggest cheerleaders at sports’ games, but more importantly, became the greatest cheerleader for his grandchildren at their sporting events.

Over the course of his life, Bill won many prizes that ranged from a hunting kayak to golfing equipment. His overall philosophy on winning prizes was: “You need to enter, wear something red, and it only takes one situation to become a winner”. He, along with his great friends, Walt, Don, & John, spent over 35 years golfing and adventuring together. While his kids were still young, Bill became a Scout Leader and was involved in the community for many years. After retirement, Bill went on to work as a first mate on a local charter boat, became a Santa at the Holland mall, and built wooden trikes for handicapped kids. He would also, gather weather data for the Holland Sentinel which was very serious to him as he knew the cities needed to know the current & accurate weather. Bill enjoyed many years involved with Tulip Time, VFW, and Ducks Unlimited.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; 3 older brothers: Harry, George and Bob; and his daughter, Mariel. He is survived by his wife, Alixandra, and 7 of his children: Mary & Jeff Twa, Richard & Donna Walczak, Tom Walczak & Pam Petroelje, Nancy Walczak, Chris Van Bragt, Cathy Van Bragt and Stephanie Van Nuil along with 22 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Bill was a man of few words, but his actions and zest for life were evidenced by the care and attention he gave to those of his friends and family. He is still dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 am on Monday, July 22, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd Avenue. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 10-10:45 am prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.