William Felix Spuz

William Felix Spuz, age 86 of Sterling Heights, died Monday, November 21, 2016 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy, Michigan. He was born May 23, 1930 in Detroit, son of the late Felix and the late Eleanor Spuz.Born in Detroit and raised in Hamtramck, William was a proud graduate of Hamtramck High School where he was a noted and proficient athlete in the school's Cosmo's swimming program. Following high school, William went to work at the Dodge Main plant while also furthering his education by attending an Auto Trade School to enhance his natural mechanical abilities. With all this experience and training under his belt, the next chapter in William's life would only make perfect sense.It was at the age of 21 that William decided to serve his country as the Korean War was looming large, so he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he would serve until receiving his honorable discharge in August of 1955. As part of the Strategic Air Command's 95th Field Maintenance Squadron, William's time in the military was primarily focused on keeping all things mechanical running smoothly and in tune, especially the B-20 and B-25 airplanes. With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we honor William for serving our country and for his sacrifices made towards the war effort.Following his military service and return home, William's life ultimately resumed from where it left off. One of the things he often enjoyed was visiting the local dance halls where he engaged himself socially,…also in the hopes of meeting someone special. On a fateful day that's exactly what happened, as it was at a dance one evening that William met the girl who would become the love of his life, a Miss Helen Skiera at Warsaw Park, the two were joined in Holy Matrimony on August 30, 1958. Together the couple built upon the comforts of home, raised three beautiful children, and would spend the next 58 years sharing a wonderful life together.As William's employment history would include a number of varied industries and fields, one of the them involved a stint he shared with his brother in the catering business,…more specifically, operating food trucks that catered food to businesses, as well as selling sundry items like a pack of cigarettes among many other things. Other jobs he held found him returning for a period to the Dodge Main Plant,…a stint at Massey Ferguson,…but ultimately landing a position at the Dana Corporation where he worked as a Machinist and Machine Setter. This was the company where William would experience the most longstanding success and years worked. When William found time away from work, you'd often still find him working as he was noted for being quite the Mr. Fix-It and loved repairing things. And if it wasn't some kind of machine or appliance calling upon his strengths, you'd find him tinkering on cars. He was a true car guy and garnered great satisfaction by wrenching on automobiles,…especially the ones he was driving. Yet he did enjoy some more sedate pastimes as well, and often it meant boating or fishing,…and the bonus was when it involved both together. He loved navigating the waters of Michigan, and also pulling as many fish out of them as he was able. There was always something peaceful and serene in casting his line at a favorite fishing hole,…then waiting for that "Big One" to snag on the line. Another special pastime he enjoyed was spent each summer when he and Helen made their annual trek to her hometown of Cheboygan, Michigan. Time up in Michigan's north country is enjoyable for so many reasons, but was made even more special and anticipated by being his wife's old stomping grounds. Over the years the couple would search out the many summer festivals that offered Polka dancing. William and Helen danced many floors together including the Polish Festival in Sterling Heights and the Topinabee Festival of the Woods in Mullet Lake.William was also noted for being quite the cook, especially when it came to his barbecuing prowess. Though everything he cooked was great, it was those delectable Spare Ribs he mastered that made everyone's taste buds melt with delight.A loving husband, father and grandfather, William was a devout and revered family man who cherished his loved ones,…especially his treasured grandchildren. They were the light of his life and brought immense joy to his heart. William leaves a storehouse of wonderful memories for all to reflect upon who were blessed to know him and be touched by him. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.William was the beloved husband of Helen, and the dear father of Judy (Steve) Gueffroy, Ralph (Michelle) Spuz, and Diane (Jeff) Baranich. Loving Poppy of Lauren, Sarah, Emily, Mary, Brandon, and Luke. Dearest Grandpa of Grant, Stephanie, Sophia, Jonathan, and Julianna. William is also survived by his brother Walter Spuz, and was predeceased by his five other siblings. Visitation for William will be held Friday, November 25th from 3-9pm, with a 7pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Mr. Spuz will lie in state on Saturday from 9:30am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00am at St. Anne Catholic Church in Warren. Officiating the Mass will be Rev. Fr. Alberto Bondy. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. Please share memories of William at his memory book above.