Although William Datema was a quiet and reserved man, the love he had for his family was apparent. He supported both his mother and his sister Eleanor just when they most needed a tender heart. He was a man who often kept to himself while working hard throughout his life, yet he also liked to have fun. Bill savored a good cigar and his love for cars was plain to see. He was a man of strength, who voluntarily served his country during a time of need in order to preserve the freedoms that every American still enjoys today.
By the year 1934, America was struggling in many ways, since the Great Depression had been a major factor for nearly five years. It was also a year in which John Dillinger, the infamous bank robber, was shot and killed by an FBI agent, Alcatraz officially became a prison, and Fenway Park caught fire for the second time. This was also a year of great significance for William and Florence (Ballast) Datema as they were thrilled to welcome the birth of their son, William, on October 3rd in Grand Rapids, Michigan. William, who was most often called Bill, joined his older brother Art in his family, and with the births of his younger sisters Helen and Eleanor, the Datema family was complete. Bill’s father worked as a tool and die maker at Keeler Brass in Grand Rapids, and his mother was both a seamstress and a homemaker who cared for her active household. He attended West Side Christian School and went on to graduate from Grand Rapids Christian High School as part of the class of 1953.
Shortly after he graduated from high school, Bill joined the Navy Reserves and went to work at Herpolsheimer’s Department Store, a unique department store located in downtown Grand Rapids. After a short time, he began working for Consumers Power Company before being called to serve his country on active duty with the Navy from 1957 through 1959. After he returned to civilian life, Bill again resumed his position with Consumers Power Company and remained there throughout the rest of his career, until he retired in 1989.
Although much of his time was spent at work, there was much more to life for Bill. He enjoyed a variety of activities that were both indoor and outdoor interests. During his younger years, Bill liked playing softball through a local recreational league. He was also an avid golfer, who was quite good at his game as evidenced by his three holes in one! Bill had a passion for cars, especially Mustangs, and he still had a 1996 Thunderbird in his garage with low mileage. He also collected many die cast car models and also enjoyed cigars. Bill often kept his mind sharp by doing crossword puzzles when he was ready to just take it easy and relax.
Life became more challenging for Bill when health concerns began to plague him and, in turn, affect his way of life. He was diagnosed with dementia, and he also suffered from congestive heart failure. Bill recently fell and was taken to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital and then, when he was well enough, he was transferred to Brookcrest Christian Nursing Home for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, he fell once again and broke his hip, leading to complications from which he was not able to recover. Shortly thereafter, Bill drew his last breath.
William Datema was a man of few words who often kept to himself yet he had a special place in his heart for his family throughout his life. In fact, Bill was very supportive of both his mother and his sister while they traveled through difficult periods in their lives, helping in whatever way he felt he could. He was a dedicated employee throughout his career and always put in a hard day of work. Bill was a man of many interests as the years passed by, creating a colorful tapestry of moments that will be forever treasured by all those who were blessed to know and love him.
William Datema died on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Bill’s family includes his sister and brother-in-law Helen and Ron Ensing of Grand Rapids and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father William, mother Florence, brother Arthur and sister Eleanor. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Van’t Hof – Grand Rapids, MI, 851 Leonard St NW with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Visit with Bill’s family and friends for one hour prior to the service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, or sign the online guestbook.
William Datema
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