William Postula

With his bright and lively personality, William Postula was the sort of person everyone seemed to know. He had a strong work ethic, and in everything he did he was always a perfect gentleman. Bill was deeply devoted to his family, and he was blessed to share more than 60 years with the love of his life, his wife Joan. Although he experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, what made these adventures so special was sharing them with the ones he loved. With a smile that could brighten up even the darkest of days; Bill will never be forgotten.

There was great unrest in Brazil in the early 1930s. Growing struggles led to the Revolution of 1930 when the people overthrew the government, bringing an end to the Old Republic. It was during this eventful time that Louis and Sonia (Kavalunas) Postula were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named William Joseph on January 5, 1931, in Bahia, Brazil. His father managed a commercial construction business, while his mother was a housewife. In 1937, their family moved from Rio, Brazil, to Battle Creek, Michigan, and later to Marshall. Bill attended local schools and graduated from Marshall High School in 1949.

As a young man Bill was eager for all that life had in store. He attended University of Michigan, but after his freshman year he transferred to Michigan State where he played football on a scholarship. Bill was part of the MSU national championship team of 1952. He also starred on the 1953 Big Ten Championship team and played on the first Rose Bowl Championship team on January 1, 1954. He graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor’s of Economics. Bill was a lifetime member of the MSU Varsity Club and vice president of the MSU Alumni Club.

Not to be forgotten during his years in school was Bill’s introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Joan Carr, and although they met in high school they didn’t date until after they graduated. They fell deeply in love, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Bill and Joan were married on July 23, 1955. Bill was in the military during this time as he served in the United States Army from 1955 through 1957 when he was discharged as a corporal. Together he and his wife welcomed four children including Marilee, William, Thomas, and Jeffrey into their hearts and home. To support his family, Bill spent 40 years in the life insurance industry, retiring from Lincoln National Life as a general agent. Later in life he was thrilled to witness his family tree blossom to include five granddaughters, five grandsons, and one great-granddaughter. Bill loved spending time with his family more than anything else. They moved a few times as they lived in Indianapolis, Oklahoma, Fort Wayne, and then finally in Portage.

Over the years Bill was a man of many interests. He loved sports throughout his life and played golf, fished in Canada during his younger years, and cheered on MSU no matter the sport. Bill served as usher captain at St. Catherine’s of Siena. During their retirement years, he and his wife traveled more and spent their winters in Honolulu. Bill and his wife also took several cruises. He maintained his dual citizenship and could speak in Portuguese. He was so proud of his heritage.

All who knew William Postula would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He could be a bit strong willed when it came to things he was passionate about, and his work ethic was second to none. Bill was kind, generous, and willing to help others in any way. His love for his family was easy to see, and he was happiest when surrounded by their love. Although he will be deeply missed, Bill leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

William J. Postula, of Portage passed away on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan; four children: Marilee (Albert) Applegate, of KY; William Postula Jr, of TX; Thomas (Rosella) Postula, of Portage; Jeffrey (Cheryl) Postula, of Portage; five granddaughters: Megan, Cristina, Angela, Anna, and Sienna; five grandsons: Michael, Christopher, Bradley, Brett, and Jack; one great granddaughter, Olivia; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday from 4 - 7 p.m. at the McCowen & Secord Life Story Family Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (269-344-5600); and one hour prior to the service at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church beginning at 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Burial will be held at the St Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Marshall. Please visit Bill’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read his life story, sign the guestbook, and share a memory.