William Fletcher

Fletcher, William "Fletch" Bill, age 79, went to be with his Lord on Friday evening, Sept. 9, 2016 in Kalamazoo after complications from a previous stroke. Born on July 2, 1937 in Kalamazoo, the son of James and Nina (Upson) Fletcher, Bill grew up on Kalamazoo's North Side. He graduated from Portage High School where he excelled in track, basketball and baseball, earning him an invitation to a Detroit Tigers tryout. Bill also earned state Golden Gloves champ after coaching by his dad Jim and three brothers. At PHS he met his lifelong sweetheart Jackie Miller; they were married on June 25, 1960 and spent their lives growing their family in Portage. Bill was a medic in the Army Reserves prior to an honorable discharge to help his dad with medical issues. He later spent 33 years with the Upjohn Co. Through the years Bill excelled on local slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball teams, playing with buddies and nephews. He and Jackie traveled the U.S., treated the family to many stellar vacations, and spent fond winters with friends in Sarasota, Fla. Following Bill's stroke in 2014, he charmed staff and patients at Upjohn Community Care Center, a group of deeply kind people. Surviving are his wife of 56 years Jackie; two children: Mike (Anita) Fletcher and Michelle (Gerard) Miron; eight grandchildren: Ashley, Chris, Chloe, Nick, Glen, Marley, MacKenzie and Brynn; several beloved in-laws and many well-loved nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his siblings: Bob, Dick and Marilyn and many other loved ones who no doubt received him with joy in heaven. Bill was a gentle-hearted, gentlemanly, deeply generous husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend who loved God and his family. His fun and generous spirit will be missed by multitudes. Rock on, Bill Fletcher! Friends may visit with Bill's family from 5-8 PM on Monday, Sept. 12, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue. A funeral service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at Pathfinder Church, 8740 S. Westnedge Avenue. Interment will follow the church luncheon in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to Pathfinder Church or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Please visit Bill's personalized webpage for directions or to leave a condolence to his family at www.langelands.com.