William Charles Hayes

Bill was born to William H. and Bertha W. (Schutte) Hayes in Ottawa, IL. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Marseilles, IL. He attended elementary school in Marseilles and graduated from Marseilles High School in 1942. He then worked in the management office of Chicago Bridge and Iron Co., the operator of the Seneca Shipyard, building LST tank landing ships for the U. S. Navy, leaving in 1945 to serve in the U. S. Army during World War II.

On May 16, 1948, he married Elaine P. Bakalar of Streator, IL. They resided in Streator for ten years where he worked as a manager at Anthony Company, a maker of truck equipment. While there, two daughters, Mary and Jean were born. A third daughter, Elaine, was born after the family moved to Ann Arbor, MI.

Bill’s work in Ann Arbor for Hoover Ball Bearing introduced him to the anti-friction bearing industry which occupied him for the next 38 years. He held executive positions at four different companies and served the Industry Association in Washington, DC on the Executive Committee, dealing with governmental and industry matters. His work involved extensive travel in Europe, Asia and throughout North America. He retired in 1996 as President of NTN Bearing Corporation of America, Mount Prospect, IL.

Once moving to Livonia, MI, Bill was an active member of Lola Park Ev. Lutheran Church, Redford., MI, where he served as an Elder and President of the congregation, sang in the choir, was a member of the church council and served in various other roles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Eldon of Palatine, IL, a sister, Shirley Smith of Marseilles, IL, son-in-law Jack Mitchell, and his wife of 70 years, Elaine P. Hayes. He is survived by his daughters Mary Mitchell of Livonia, MI, Jean (Roger) Reynolds of Ann Arbor, MI, Elaine (Dale) Sharer of Highland, MI., granddaughter Nina (Ryan) Strang of Saline, MI; grandsons Philip Gardner of Saint Peter, MN and Evan (Riley) Reynolds of Ann Arbor, MI; nephews Michael and Timothy Smith of Marseilles, Il; grandnephews Gary and Scott Sprandel and grandniece Terri Olhava of Illinois; step grand-children John (Pam) Mitchell and Dawn (Dan) Nowicki; and great grandchildren Rory Reynolds, Charlie Strang, and Jude Reynolds.

Some of the things Bill enjoyed in his long life were study of history and doctrinal matters, traveling on vacations with the family, doing evangelism work and serving on the Michigan Evangelism Commission, serving as a delegate at Michigan District and Synod Conventions, taking fishing trips to Canada, and visiting with friends and family. In his last couple of years, seeing his great grandchildren was a true joy to him.

The family suggests that memorial donations be given to Lola Park Lutheran Church, the Wisconsin Lutheran Radio Hour, Angela Hospice, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Bill entered eternal life early the morning of November 13, 2022, in his Livonia home surrounded by his loving family, a little more than a month shy of his 98th birthday. He is now celebrating with all the saints in heaven.

A visitation for Bill will be held Thursday, November 17, from 3:30 to 7:30pm at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48152. A funeral service will occur the following day, Friday, November 18, at 11:00am, following an in state period beginning at 10:00am.