William Kotsifas

William James Kotsifas, age 93, of Jenison, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 25, 2020. He is reunited with Donna, the love of his life for 59 years. He passed away peacefully with his loving children (and pastor) by his side. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, the son of James and Katina Kotsifas. Bill graduated from Urbana High School and attended Urbana Jr. College for business. One great moment in his life was when he took flying lessons and flew his first solo flight at the age of 15. Bill grew up working in his father's family owned restaurant. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and proudly served his country during WWII as a pilot and radio man/gunner. He flew B-17 and C47 aircraft; doing troop carrier and air/sea rescue missions. He also served in the Ohio National Guard and was an American Legion member for 32 years. Bill was a 71 year member of the Harmony Lodge #8 Free and Accepted Mason in Urbana, Ohio. He was a 32^nd degree in the Scottish Rite and also was a Shriner. Bill worked many years as a real estate appraiser throughout numerous states. He then spent 26 years as City Assessor CMAE IV EAC and Personnel Director at Walker City Hall in Walker, Michigan. He also served on the Planning Commission, the Pension Committee and the MAA's Board of Directors. After his retirement, he continued as a consultant for several years with the City of Walker. He also served 20 years as a member of the Georgetown Township Zoning Board of Appeals. He held multiple positions at Jenison Bible Church and was still an active member of the men's fellowship breakfast group. Bill and Donna were charter members, as well as a founding family, at Jenison Bible Church. They both loved the Lord and their church family. Bill was a faithful husband, father, brother, papou (grandfather), mentor, and friend. Bill enjoyed time with his family, antique cars, warplanes/vintage aircraft, jazz/big band music, reading, long drives, sharing stories of his dad's restaurant, and their family pets. He will be lovingly remembered and is survived by his three children: Charles (Heide) Kotsifas, Katina King, and Melissa Snider; his grandchildren, Rachel and Jared Kotsifas; his sisters-in-law, Ruth McFadden, and Myrna Cochran; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his cherished wife, Donna Kotsifas; brother, Thomas (and Eva) Kotsifas; brothers (infants), George T. and George J. Kotsifas; sister, Mary Kotsifas; brothers-in-law, William Cochran, and Charles McFadden. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at Jenison Bible Church, 6360 14th Avenue, Hudsonville, with Rev. Lee Buer officiating. Private interment will be at Rosedale Memorial Park, in Tallmadge Township, Michigan. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday, November 4, from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Jenison Bible Church.