William Thomas Middleton

William Thomas Middleton, age 80, passed away unexpectedly at home on May 18, 2024. Bill was born on February 28, 1944 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, one of seven children born to William & Rita (Maciejewski) Middleton.

In 1962 he graduated from Grand Rapids Union High School. He then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served his country. He received an honorable discharge and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After his service, Bill settled into his career at Steelcase, from which he retired in 2004 after 35 years.

On November 25, 1967, Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Arlene Jastifer, who survives. Together they raised a family of four boys.

Bill was a man of faith and was an active member of St. Jude Parish. He was also a member of the American Legion Boat & Canoe Club. Bill loved the outdoors, working in his garden, taking the family camping and taking long runs. Bill & Arlene loved to travel and visited many of the National Parks. When Bill did sit still, he spent hours tracing his roots with his passion for genealogy.

Family was important to Bill. He was a devoted husband and loving father. With the birth of his first grandchild, he became “Grampy” and he quickly developed his silly side, making sure the grandchildren were always giggling and having fun. He enjoyed watching sports, whether it be one of the Detroit Tigers, Lions, or one of his grandchildrens’ many sporting events. The kind and patient man will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Besides his wife of nearly 57 years, he is survived by his sons: Shawn (Sheryl) Middleton of Manistee, Steven (Will Fitton) Middleton of California, Jason (Bridget) Middleton of Ohio and Joseph (Mary) Middleton of Grand Haven; his grandchildren: Tyler (Jennifer), Erin & Nathan Middleton, Nolan & Mia Middleton and James & Julia Middleton; his sisters Susan Smith of Florida, Margaret (Jack) Kline of Marne and Kathleen Killgore of Wayland; his in-laws: JoAnn (Joel) Jannenga, James (Pauline) Jastifer and Jack Gerke, as well as close friends JoAnn & Jody Umlor, as well as many other relatives.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his siblings: Michael (Betty), Arthur and Robert Middleton and his in-laws: Kathleen Gerke and Carolyn Jastifer.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel (2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids), where a Rosary will be said at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church (1120 4 Mile Rd. NE, Grand Rapids), where the family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be at St. Patrick of Parnell Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Parish.