Bill DeKoning
Feb 25th 1954 - Nov 15th 2009
Print All
Randy Parrish
December 15th 2009
We all headed out to Ely Lake campgrounds for a weekend of socializing, camping and hunting, with socializing being #1 on our list. I was in charge of the camper bus ( the Baptist Bandit ). My part of the scheme of any and all activates that involved the Baptist Bandit was to watch over the old girl, keeping her in somewhat good running condition. Good running condition, meaning to make sure she was fit and ready at a moments notice, "no" at any moments notice, you never know when Bill would call or catch me at work and say those three famous word, " Let's go camping " ! Well, Bill say we are going out to Ely Lake camping , we'll see you out there and another adventure begins. I have got to get the old girl ( Baptist Bandit ) out to Ely Lake, which was'nt no problem, she was always dependable. I don't remember her giving use much trouble except when she drove off with a tank full of gas on one of our trips up north, then she messed up her registration and insurance papers and to make things even worse she had on the wrong license plate, BUT we did'nt know this until the State Police pulled us over, BUT that was another adventure. Looking back a person could start to think that being around Bill was to never see a dull moment. Before the trip to Ely Lake I decided the ole girl needed 2 new batteries. Why do we call things her or she ? You know, like my ole truck, she has been a good one, she has never let me down, think maybe a guy thing ? Well, I changed the batteries so we would not have to put the jumpers on her and off to Ely Lake we went, heading to a GOOD TIME ! When I pulled in to the camping spot and shut the ole girl off, Len Sheaffer asked me why there was steam coming out from where the batteries were. Well, we took a look and found that sometime during my drive out to the campground she had switched the battery cables around on me and the new batteries had over charge and they looked like two fat butterball turkeys hot, with steam rolling out all around them, just like they were just removed from the oven. Well, so much for those two new batteries and hello jumper cables. We sure did some good socializing, camping and hunting. In the evening that day after some really good food, which turned out to be beans, beans and more beans, us guys sat around the fire and sang some pretty good song. The younger guys were playing if I remember right, football and invited any of us to play. I want to tell you right now I'm not afraid to play football, but those young guys were a whole lot bigger than me. I was thinking old bones, lost wages and PAIN ! Well, I decided to pass on the opportunity and let Bill show them young ones how it's done and by-golly he did a real good job. Well, who would have ever known that a dozen guys sleeping in the ole Baptist Bandit could make such music ( in their sleep ) and anyone that was'nt asleep could hear all types of trumpets , flutes and bugles in many different arrangements , but I'm sure that is normal when camping out in the wild. Early the next morning and I'm talking real early , Bill found himself unable to sleep. We are not talking insomnia here either, we're talking pain, barely able to breath pain, now that will keep you awake type of pain. Guess what ? NO, it was'nt the beans, gas it was'nt,from what I was told, Bill had one of the young guys take him to the emergency room in Allegan and found that he had really, really, really, badly bruised ribs. I guess I thought right when I was thinking old bone and pain, I sure did sleep good that night. I don't think Bill would have changed a thing even if he would have had a peep into the future that day. I am sure he would'nt.
frannie
December 6th 2009
it is 3 weeks tomorrow since you went home to be with the Lord I miss you so much I rhink some days I cant go on but I know you would not want me to be like that.I love You Deaar. watch over me and Jakie
Jerry C. Henson
November 19th 2009
I'am so sorry to hear of Bill's death. During the time I
worked at PARKER/NWL Bill and I worked together on 3rd
shift. There were many times when Bill would help me out
with a machine problem while working in the barrel cell.
Bill was a very spiritual person and loved his family dearly.
He enjoyed talking about Canada fishing trips!
GOD BLESS YOU BILL and caring thoughts for your family.
Jer
Dave VanOrder
November 19th 2009
I have known Bill about ten years he was a friend of a friend (Randy Parrish) and Randy introduced me to him,
I would allways say God broke the mold after he made Randy but then I met Bill and found that I was mistaken
Bill was one of the Nicest -Gentel-Soft spoken Man that I have ever met.I have fixed many vehicles for Bill over the past ten years and I can only assume they were to his approvel because he never complained.
I will Miss You Old Friend. Dave.
Randy Parrish
November 19th 2009
Bill is a really great man and the best of friends, I've only known Bill for a few short years, about 20 years but it seems like forever. He has invited me to many hunting/camping trips which I have very much enjoyed.There was one hunting trip Bill, Leonard S., myself and my nephew Mike when on that was to give my nephew a nickname and us a history. Bill drove the Baptist church bus that 5 of us guys had bought, I and my nephew Mike followed in Bills truck. We stopped in Martin off 131 north of Otsego to fill up the gas tanks. We headed north and just past Wayland we were pulled over by the state police. The officer said that we had not paid for the gas we put in the bus which was about $65.00. Bill thought I paid and I thought Bill paid, so we told the officer we would take care of it. Well, you should know that the officer asked for the proof of insurance and registration, which was ok by us. Well, the insurance binder wasn't right and the registration did not show on the officers computer. Leonard S. got a ticket since he was the driver, three of us went back to Allegan and Bill stayed with the bus and got a little sleep since he had worked 3rd shift. Once the ticket was taken care of we retuned to the bus and were on our way north . During our hunt Bill watched my nephew Mike one morning from across a valley as he would fade in and out of the trees.Latter at camp, Bill said he watched Mike as he would appear here and there across the hill side, so Bill decide to give my nephew a nickname, which is from the book , Find Waldo. When we got back to work the next week the guys at the shop had heard about our gas adventure and they made a large banner that read " BAPTIST BANDITS ". Who would know that news would travel that fast. I guess that is life. LOVE AND MISS YOU BILL DEKONING -- MY FRIEND --
Jesse Valdez
November 19th 2009
I have so many wonderful thoughts and memories running through my mind about Brother Bill that I don't know where to start. Bill was like a brother to me and I'm going to really miss him. I'll always remember Bill saying to me "Let's go to Mexico Chue" and I would always answer "Let's go right now!" Thank you Bill, for the times here and in our work in Mexico. Brother I will also think of you as "Mr. Beeeeell" Thank you for being a good friend. Love you Brother - See you in heaven.
Jesse
Terri Garrett
November 19th 2009
I've known Bill for probably 30 years and I think of him as a gentle man who was a gentleman. I first heard his name from my brother Ed, whom he worked with at Stryker. It seems that they were big practical jokers there and Ed would just laugh with the telling of the stories. Even though he had not seen Ed for years Bill always asked about him, for you see, once you were a friend of Bill's you were always his friend. Then I worked with him at NWL. As I would make my rounds through the shop he always had a smile and a kind word. Then we started attending Faith and there he was. Bill and Fran were usually in the pew behind us and Andy is right - Bill couldn't sing, but he could make a joyful noise. Kenny always wanted to go with Bill on a missions trip but he never made it. What he did make it to though was Atlanta GA to watch the Braves play. They made a few of these trips and it went from just Kenny and Bill to Kenny, Bill, Marina, and a few others as well. I will miss the soft spoken giant of a man. Our prayers are with you all.
Terri
frannie as he called me
November 19th 2009
I love reading memories about to me was the greastest man I will ever know.Wonderful husband,father and grandfather.He Loved all of us beyond what you cannot believe.His Faith in the Lord was very strong so we raised our children that way.To him having our children in Christian school was not a sacrifice but a privilege.There are no words for me to say about how much I will miss that GREAT MAN! Thank You to everyone for you prayers and support to Williams family,Fran,Jessica,Marina and Jacob
Doug Santee
November 19th 2009
Fran and family,
I am heart broken to hear of Bill’s untimely and sudden death. While it has been years since I have seen him, the fond memories have never faded. His sense of humor and wit will always remain in my memories. I also have many fond memories of our times at NWL. Of all the memories I have of Bill, the one that remains with me most, was his smile. His sense of humor and lively spirit will always be with us.
Sincerely,
Doug Santee
Andy Leeson
November 18th 2009
My uncle Bill was one of my best friends,and I will miss him greatly! We had many adventures, and many good times together! From deer hunting in the U.P. to fishing on Bankson Lake, just to name a few.
Uncle Bill was the person who first brought me to church, where I eventually came to know JESUS CHRIST as my Lord and Savior. We had many talks about GOD and the Bible. His faith was genuine, and he loved his Lord!
Next to his faith was his family. He was a selfless leader of his home, who would rather do things with them than almost anything else. I remember many Christmas mornings with Aunt Fran, Jessica, Marina, and Jake; and I know they will miss him greatly!
I will ,also, miss his sense of humor and the laughs we had together. He would often kid me about how, when I was a baby, he would change my messy diapers! and he woudn't let me forget about it! When Christie was pregnant with one of our children, he would alway suggest "William" for a name, even "Williamena" if it was a girl! Then there were the times when I sat next to him in church and we would both try and sing a hymn together, and we were so bad that we would end up laughing while still trying to sing.
I guess I'll stop now, although, I could keep going. What a great guy!! I'll miss my uncle greatly!
Rick Maurer
November 18th 2009
Bill"s folks and mine were good friends so we grew up together. We had fun times and became good friends. He was my best man. Good bye for now my friend.
Joe Swabash
November 18th 2009
A lot of great memories were shared during summers at Bankson Lake. I will never forget Bill & Joe's Bait Shop where we would spend all night pulling night crawlers out of the ground, only to sell then the next day in Lawton. I also remember the baby raccoons that we had rescued from the wild to try to raise as pets. I will never forget the special times that we shared together at Bankson. You were a great buddy, Bill you will be greatly missed..Joey S.
Dennis Taplin
November 17th 2009
The tab says "Share A Memory", but knowing Bill would mean sharing memories. What a dear friend your husband, father, and grandfather was Franny, Jessica, Marina, Jacob, and grandkids. Big guy - gentle as a teddy bear. But a teddy bear with convictions.
I remember several things:
Bill was a charter member of the DOG POUND at the girls' volleyball games. I don't know if we annoyed people, but we told each other that Faith won a State championship because of us.
A campout with the guys in Allegan Forest, where Bill cooked. He really liked doing that-part of his servant's heart. Then of course, we geezers played football against the young guys and whooped 'em.
Often when I'd wear my blue blazer w/khaki pants at church, Bill would comment that I looked good because that was the game day suit they had to wear at Loy Norrix.
We had nicknames for each other too. He was Guillermo (William in Spanish) and Franny, FloJo, because I used to mess up and call her Florence. They call me Dino.
He was a faithful follower of His Lord. I will miss Bill a bunch.
Dennis
Kim Crawford and Conrad Bitely
November 16th 2009
Our deepest condolences to Fran and children. Bill will
be greatly missed. Conrad and I spent many special moments with Bill at NWL and enjoyed every one of them. Bill has left us with a smile on our faces. It is difficult to believe we have lost him. God bless
Randy Parrish
December 15th 2009
We all headed out to Ely Lake campgrounds for a weekend of socializing, camping and hunting, with socializing being #1 on our list. I was in charge of the camper bus ( the Baptist Bandit ). My part of the scheme of any and all activates that involved the Baptist Bandit was to watch over the old girl, keeping her in somewhat good running condition. Good running condition, meaning to make sure she was fit and ready at a moments notice, "no" at any moments notice, you never know when Bill would call or catch me at work and say those three famous word, " Let's go camping " ! Well, Bill say we are going out to Ely Lake camping , we'll see you out there and another adventure begins. I have got to get the old girl ( Baptist Bandit ) out to Ely Lake, which was'nt no problem, she was always dependable. I don't remember her giving use much trouble except when she drove off with a tank full of gas on one of our trips up north, then she messed up her registration and insurance papers and to make things even worse she had on the wrong license plate, BUT we did'nt know this until the State Police pulled us over, BUT that was another adventure. Looking back a person could start to think that being around Bill was to never see a dull moment. Before the trip to Ely Lake I decided the ole girl needed 2 new batteries. Why do we call things her or she ? You know, like my ole truck, she has been a good one, she has never let me down, think maybe a guy thing ? Well, I changed the batteries so we would not have to put the jumpers on her and off to Ely Lake we went, heading to a GOOD TIME ! When I pulled in to the camping spot and shut the ole girl off, Len Sheaffer asked me why there was steam coming out from where the batteries were. Well, we took a look and found that sometime during my drive out to the campground she had switched the battery cables around on me and the new batteries had over charge and they looked like two fat butterball turkeys hot, with steam rolling out all around them, just like they were just removed from the oven. Well, so much for those two new batteries and hello jumper cables. We sure did some good socializing, camping and hunting. In the evening that day after some really good food, which turned out to be beans, beans and more beans, us guys sat around the fire and sang some pretty good song. The younger guys were playing if I remember right, football and invited any of us to play. I want to tell you right now I'm not afraid to play football, but those young guys were a whole lot bigger than me. I was thinking old bones, lost wages and PAIN ! Well, I decided to pass on the opportunity and let Bill show them young ones how it's done and by-golly he did a real good job. Well, who would have ever known that a dozen guys sleeping in the ole Baptist Bandit could make such music ( in their sleep ) and anyone that was'nt asleep could hear all types of trumpets , flutes and bugles in many different arrangements , but I'm sure that is normal when camping out in the wild. Early the next morning and I'm talking real early , Bill found himself unable to sleep. We are not talking insomnia here either, we're talking pain, barely able to breath pain, now that will keep you awake type of pain. Guess what ? NO, it was'nt the beans, gas it was'nt,from what I was told, Bill had one of the young guys take him to the emergency room in Allegan and found that he had really, really, really, badly bruised ribs. I guess I thought right when I was thinking old bone and pain, I sure did sleep good that night. I don't think Bill would have changed a thing even if he would have had a peep into the future that day. I am sure he would'nt.
frannie
December 6th 2009
it is 3 weeks tomorrow since you went home to be with the Lord I miss you so much I rhink some days I cant go on but I know you would not want me to be like that.I love You Deaar. watch over me and Jakie
Jerry C. Henson
November 19th 2009
I'am so sorry to hear of Bill's death. During the time I
worked at PARKER/NWL Bill and I worked together on 3rd
shift. There were many times when Bill would help me out
with a machine problem while working in the barrel cell.
Bill was a very spiritual person and loved his family dearly.
He enjoyed talking about Canada fishing trips!
GOD BLESS YOU BILL and caring thoughts for your family.
Jer
Dave VanOrder
November 19th 2009
I have known Bill about ten years he was a friend of a friend (Randy Parrish) and Randy introduced me to him,
I would allways say God broke the mold after he made Randy but then I met Bill and found that I was mistaken
Bill was one of the Nicest -Gentel-Soft spoken Man that I have ever met.I have fixed many vehicles for Bill over the past ten years and I can only assume they were to his approvel because he never complained.
I will Miss You Old Friend. Dave.
Randy Parrish
November 19th 2009
Bill is a really great man and the best of friends, I've only known Bill for a few short years, about 20 years but it seems like forever. He has invited me to many hunting/camping trips which I have very much enjoyed.There was one hunting trip Bill, Leonard S., myself and my nephew Mike when on that was to give my nephew a nickname and us a history. Bill drove the Baptist church bus that 5 of us guys had bought, I and my nephew Mike followed in Bills truck. We stopped in Martin off 131 north of Otsego to fill up the gas tanks. We headed north and just past Wayland we were pulled over by the state police. The officer said that we had not paid for the gas we put in the bus which was about $65.00. Bill thought I paid and I thought Bill paid, so we told the officer we would take care of it. Well, you should know that the officer asked for the proof of insurance and registration, which was ok by us. Well, the insurance binder wasn't right and the registration did not show on the officers computer. Leonard S. got a ticket since he was the driver, three of us went back to Allegan and Bill stayed with the bus and got a little sleep since he had worked 3rd shift. Once the ticket was taken care of we retuned to the bus and were on our way north . During our hunt Bill watched my nephew Mike one morning from across a valley as he would fade in and out of the trees.Latter at camp, Bill said he watched Mike as he would appear here and there across the hill side, so Bill decide to give my nephew a nickname, which is from the book , Find Waldo. When we got back to work the next week the guys at the shop had heard about our gas adventure and they made a large banner that read " BAPTIST BANDITS ". Who would know that news would travel that fast. I guess that is life. LOVE AND MISS YOU BILL DEKONING -- MY FRIEND --
Jesse Valdez
November 19th 2009
I have so many wonderful thoughts and memories running through my mind about Brother Bill that I don't know where to start. Bill was like a brother to me and I'm going to really miss him. I'll always remember Bill saying to me "Let's go to Mexico Chue" and I would always answer "Let's go right now!" Thank you Bill, for the times here and in our work in Mexico. Brother I will also think of you as "Mr. Beeeeell" Thank you for being a good friend. Love you Brother - See you in heaven.
Jesse
Terri Garrett
November 19th 2009
I've known Bill for probably 30 years and I think of him as a gentle man who was a gentleman. I first heard his name from my brother Ed, whom he worked with at Stryker. It seems that they were big practical jokers there and Ed would just laugh with the telling of the stories. Even though he had not seen Ed for years Bill always asked about him, for you see, once you were a friend of Bill's you were always his friend. Then I worked with him at NWL. As I would make my rounds through the shop he always had a smile and a kind word. Then we started attending Faith and there he was. Bill and Fran were usually in the pew behind us and Andy is right - Bill couldn't sing, but he could make a joyful noise. Kenny always wanted to go with Bill on a missions trip but he never made it. What he did make it to though was Atlanta GA to watch the Braves play. They made a few of these trips and it went from just Kenny and Bill to Kenny, Bill, Marina, and a few others as well. I will miss the soft spoken giant of a man. Our prayers are with you all.
Terri
frannie as he called me
November 19th 2009
I love reading memories about to me was the greastest man I will ever know.Wonderful husband,father and grandfather.He Loved all of us beyond what you cannot believe.His Faith in the Lord was very strong so we raised our children that way.To him having our children in Christian school was not a sacrifice but a privilege.There are no words for me to say about how much I will miss that GREAT MAN! Thank You to everyone for you prayers and support to Williams family,Fran,Jessica,Marina and Jacob
Doug Santee
November 19th 2009
Fran and family,
I am heart broken to hear of Bill’s untimely and sudden death. While it has been years since I have seen him, the fond memories have never faded. His sense of humor and wit will always remain in my memories. I also have many fond memories of our times at NWL. Of all the memories I have of Bill, the one that remains with me most, was his smile. His sense of humor and lively spirit will always be with us.
Sincerely,
Doug Santee
Andy Leeson
November 18th 2009
My uncle Bill was one of my best friends,and I will miss him greatly! We had many adventures, and many good times together! From deer hunting in the U.P. to fishing on Bankson Lake, just to name a few.
Uncle Bill was the person who first brought me to church, where I eventually came to know JESUS CHRIST as my Lord and Savior. We had many talks about GOD and the Bible. His faith was genuine, and he loved his Lord!
Next to his faith was his family. He was a selfless leader of his home, who would rather do things with them than almost anything else. I remember many Christmas mornings with Aunt Fran, Jessica, Marina, and Jake; and I know they will miss him greatly!
I will ,also, miss his sense of humor and the laughs we had together. He would often kid me about how, when I was a baby, he would change my messy diapers! and he woudn't let me forget about it! When Christie was pregnant with one of our children, he would alway suggest "William" for a name, even "Williamena" if it was a girl! Then there were the times when I sat next to him in church and we would both try and sing a hymn together, and we were so bad that we would end up laughing while still trying to sing.
I guess I'll stop now, although, I could keep going. What a great guy!! I'll miss my uncle greatly!
Rick Maurer
November 18th 2009
Bill"s folks and mine were good friends so we grew up together. We had fun times and became good friends. He was my best man. Good bye for now my friend.
Joe Swabash
November 18th 2009
A lot of great memories were shared during summers at Bankson Lake. I will never forget Bill & Joe's Bait Shop where we would spend all night pulling night crawlers out of the ground, only to sell then the next day in Lawton. I also remember the baby raccoons that we had rescued from the wild to try to raise as pets. I will never forget the special times that we shared together at Bankson. You were a great buddy, Bill you will be greatly missed..Joey S.
Dennis Taplin
November 17th 2009
The tab says "Share A Memory", but knowing Bill would mean sharing memories. What a dear friend your husband, father, and grandfather was Franny, Jessica, Marina, Jacob, and grandkids. Big guy - gentle as a teddy bear. But a teddy bear with convictions.
I remember several things:
Bill was a charter member of the DOG POUND at the girls' volleyball games. I don't know if we annoyed people, but we told each other that Faith won a State championship because of us.
A campout with the guys in Allegan Forest, where Bill cooked. He really liked doing that-part of his servant's heart. Then of course, we geezers played football against the young guys and whooped 'em.
Often when I'd wear my blue blazer w/khaki pants at church, Bill would comment that I looked good because that was the game day suit they had to wear at Loy Norrix.
We had nicknames for each other too. He was Guillermo (William in Spanish) and Franny, FloJo, because I used to mess up and call her Florence. They call me Dino.
He was a faithful follower of His Lord. I will miss Bill a bunch.
Dennis
Kim Crawford and Conrad Bitely
November 16th 2009
Our deepest condolences to Fran and children. Bill will
be greatly missed. Conrad and I spent many special moments with Bill at NWL and enjoyed every one of them. Bill has left us with a smile on our faces. It is difficult to believe we have lost him. God bless
