William Gassman

William Charles Gassman, 62, of Grayling, formerly of Traverse City, died peacefully and comfortably in his home surrounded by his children after a two-year battle with cancer, Tuesday, August 16, 2016.

Bill was born July 12, 1954 in Naples, Italy and was raised in Traverse City, Michigan. He proudly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in forestry, from Michigan Tech and worked for AJD Forest Products in Grayling as a woodlands manager.

Bill was an avid fisherman, and found peace and relaxation on the banks of the Boardman River. Gardening, hunting, camping, canoeing and kayaking were activities that Bill enjoyed in the outdoors. Bill loved nature and instilled that passion in his children and grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Norton Gassman, and his brother in-law, Dennis Anderson, both of Traverse City.

Bill is survived by his children, Michael (Amber) Gassman, and Laura (Wesley) Bond; his grandchildren, Claire Bond, Maggie Bond, William Gassman, and one on the way, Benjamin Gassman; his mother, Suzanne Gassman; his sisters, Ann (John) Silny, Nancy (Mark) Walters, Linda Anderson, Catherine (Ken) Kubesh; his nephews and nieces, Joe Silny, Andy Silny, Ryan Walters, Rick Walters, Aly Walters, Sophie, Sammy and Ella Kubesh; and many great and loyal friends, including James Scott of Belding, Mi.

If you knew Bill and want to help celebrate his life, please join his family for a memorial service at Ranch Rudolph in Traverse City, Mi, on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 2:30pm. The family will greet friends starting at 2pm. This will be a time for family and friends to remember Bill on the banks of his favorite river.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guest book and share a message with his family. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Travesre City.