William H. Bilbie

Bill grew up in Michigan and developed a great love of the water after he was diagnosed with polio at a young age. His love of water would continue throughout his life. Bill graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1949.

On July 21, 1950, he married Georgia Logan. Shortly thereafter he joined the United States Marine Corps earning the National Defense Service Metal. Upon his return from the military, Bill completed the bricklayer’s apprenticeship and worked as a mason until his retirement.

Bill and Georgia purchased a cottage on Whitmore Lake where he discovered his passion for water skiing. Bill was one of the founding members of the Whitmore Lake Water Ski Club and was a pioneer in the sport. Bill’s specialty was slalom, where he won the Michigan state title 20 consecutive years and claimed several mid-west slalom titles.

Bill and Georgia enjoyed traveling in their R.V. and spending time in their garden. Bill was creative with his welder, which he used to make many wonderful pieces of “yard art”. In his later years he could also be found playing euchre with his friends at the Pittsfield and Dexter Senior Centers.

Bill is survived by Georgia Bilbie, his nephew’s, Jim Bilbie (Carol), David Bilbie, Brian Klinge (Wendy), and Richard Bilbie (Cindy); his niece Julie Bauer (Mark), and his longtime friends, Leonard Knoedler (Annie) and Bob Knoedler (Annette).

Bill was preceded in death by his father Richard Bilbie, his mother Mabel (Naylor) Bilbie and his brothers James and Edward.

A memorial service for William will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 12:00 PM, 403 S 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A private inurnment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in William's memory may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, https://stpaulannarbor.com/give/; and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.muehligannarbor.com for the Bilbie family.