William Stokoe

William Alton Stokoe, age 86, went to be with his heavenly Father on April 12, 2014. Bill was born in Keokuk, IA on May 1, 1927 to Wilbur and Marie (nee Petrie) Stokoe. He was a veteran of WWII and the Korean War. Bill was preceded by a son, Mark William; sisters, Betty Trautman (Frank) and Barbara Hartway (Harold); and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary; sons, Grant, Scott (Ann Wickham); daughter, Susan and daughter-in-law, Michele Shepard. Grandchildren include Mark and Chris Stokoe, Sayer and William Wickham, Garrett and Ashley Glover and Courtney and Brock Stuard. Bill graduated from Albion College where he met the love of his life, Mary. He worked in land development in his first career but loved his last career best, which was building energy efficient homes. Bill and Mary lived and raised their family in Kalamazoo and Portage, and then retired to Northport, MI. Bill was active with the Northport Lions Club and he and Mary enjoyed traveling. When that became difficult, they made a home at Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids. A memorial service for Bill wil be held on April 25, at 1 PM in the Chapel at Clark Retirement Community, 1551 Franklin St. SE Grand Rapids. A reception will be held immediately following the service. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Benevolent Fund at Clark Retirement or Emmanuel Hospice. The family would like to thank all the people who gave Bill such wonderful, loving care, especially the staff at Bristol Unit, Emmanuel Hospice and Clark at Home.