William “Bill” Mastaw

William Leo Henry “Bill” Mastaw went to be with his Lord. Sunrise 8/5/48 in Sault Ste Marie, MI to Alex and Opal Mastaw. Sunset 1/20/17 in Grand Rapids, MI in his home with his loving wife of 48 years, Catherine F. “Kate” (Gross) Mastaw at his side. He is preceded in death by his fur-children, Abraham (Broham) and Mischief; his parents; and his sister and brother in law, Sharon and Norman Jones. He is survived by his wife, Kate; his “son”, Patrick (Addie) Gross; his “daughter”, Emily Sue (Steven) Schacht; and fur-daughter, Half Pint, who stayed by his side. He is also survived by his brothers, James Lee Alexander of Mt. Carmel, IL, George (Cindy) Wagner of Green Bay, WI, Gerald (Barb) Seinko of Brooklyn Center, MN, and Christine (Don) Galla of Fulton, NY. And, at last count, a plethora of nieces and nephews, who were really more like their children, and a smattering of great nieces and nephews, who were always around. At 17, he began his life of working hard in the Job Corps, and later served his country as a Paratrooper in the US Army during the Vietnam War, completing 24+ jumps. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he met his bride-to-be in March of 1968. They were married in December of that year. They resided in Grand Rapids throughout their marriage. Born in the state of Michigan, he was a Lions fan, but married a Packer Backer. Soon, he became a Packer/Lion fan. He served his community faithfully in many roles and many locations throughout his life, retiring in 2013. Bill was an active member of Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Moose Lodge, and an Elder in the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Bill served as an usher at his beloved church, Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Wyoming, MI. He lived an energetic life, enjoyed riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, hunting, fishing, and camping. He had the patience of a saint when it came to entertaining the Girl Scouts who frequented his home (his wife was a troop leader). He loved all the kids who came around to see “Uncle Bill” whether he admitted it or dismissed it with a resounding “Bah Humbug!”. The family wishes to thank Fr. Don Weber, the Guitar Group from Holy Name of Jesus, the Knights of Columbus Guard, and the caretakers from Faith Hospice. Kate is grateful for the support of her extended family, the members of The Holy Name of Jesus Parish (especially the Luncheon Crew), and the kind help from the Three Musketeers, Bridget, PJ, and Suzanne. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday at 11:00 am at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1630 Godfrey SW, Wyoming with Fr. Don Weber, presiding. Interment Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming with a vigil at 7 pm and also at the church on Thursday from 10-11 am prior to the service. Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to Holy Name of Jesus Renovations or Faith Hospice of Michigan.