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William Hanichen

June 5, 2020
Norton Shores, MI

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HANICHEN, C. WILLIAM "BILL" Norton Shores C. William "Bill" Hanichen, age 90, passed away Friday, June 5, 2020. He was born July 29, 1929 in Vicksburg, MI to Carl W. and Mary (Macey) Hanichen and lived in the Muskegon area most of his life. Bill loved and was totally devoted to his wife, Ellen J. Tompkins, whom he married 68 years ago on December 29, 1951 in Sturgis, MI. Bill earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Western Michigan University. He also attended Albion College, University of Michigan and received his Educational Specialist Degree from Michigan State University. Bill enjoyed a 32-year career in public education, especially 25 years as the "First Sailor" at Mona Shores High School where he was principal for 25 years. He retired in 1987. During his tenure as High School Principal, he was instrumental in building and supporting the Music, Arts, Debate and Theatre Departments at Mona Shores. Bill was awarded "High School Principal of the Year" for the State of Michigan in 1986. Bill was inducted into the first class of the Mona Shores Education Foundation Hall of Fame in 2013. He was very active in his community and served as Past President of the Muskegon Exchange Club where he also was elected "Man of the Year", Past President and Board Member of Muskegon Child and Family Services, Past President of the Friends of Hackley Library, and Past President of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. He was a member of St. Gregory's Episcopal Church in Norton Shores. Bill had many hobbies, among them were golfing, traveling, and his trips to New York City attending Broadway Musicals. He also enjoyed his trips to Chicago to watch the Cubs games. Bill was a fan of U of M Sports and his beloved Mona Shores Sports. Bill was proud to have attended the Mona Shores Football State Championship Ring Ceremony this past year. He was an avid reader and was a longtime history buff. Bill also enjoyed family genealogy in his retirement years. One of his favorite gifts to his family each year was a photo album of the past year, Christmas through Thanksgiving, that he would give to each of his kids every Christmas. Among all the accomplishments Bill achieved in life none was more evident than his loving family. Survivors include his beloved wife, Ellen J. Hanichen; 3 sons, Matt (Colleen) Hanichen, Andy (Karen) Hanichen, Joel (Judy) Hanichen; 11 grandchildren, Molly (Brian) Dutkiewicz, Abby (Tripp) Wade, Jennifer (Mark) Zanoli, Ryan Nichols, Jon (Leslie) DeMent, Nicole (George) Tsiolis, Jon (Lindsey) Hanichen, Scott Hanichen, Anastasia Hahn, Ian Hahn, Nikki (Mark) Alkama; and 13 great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, James Hanichen, and 1 sister, Virginia Lips. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later time. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Mona Shores Education Foundation (www.monashoreskids.org) or St. Gregory's Episcopal Church (www.stgregorysmuskegon.org) Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com