Willard "Bill" J. Reed

DeWitt, MI

Surrounded by his loving family, Bill Reed went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2010, at age 81. Bill was born August 8, 1929 to parents Harry and Mary (Schafer) Reed, who preceded him in death. Bill was also preceded in death by 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joyce (Thompson) Reed; 3 daughters, Anna (Robert) Neher of DeWitt, Colleen (Gary) Strickland, of Mason, Carol (Bill) Bensinger, of Bath; 5 sons, James (Lynn) Reed of Webberville, David (Linda) Reed of Alaska, Edwin (Carolyn) Reed, of DeWitt, Thomas (Diane) Reed of Kimball, Joseph Reed, FSC of New York; 28 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. Bill owned and operated Reed Insurance Agency in DeWitt for 30 years. He was a charter member of DeWitt Breakfast Lions Club, Msgr. Stotenbur Council #7237, St. Francis 4th Degree Assembly #2982, and Catholic Community of St. Jude. He was also active on the DeWitt School Board for 12 years and worked part time for Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Bill affectionately referred to Joyce as “my bride” in the many stories he told, and always enjoyed having a good time with his family and friends. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge Street, DeWitt with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop, Catholic Community of St. Jude, Rev. Fr. Larry Delaney, St. Francis Retreat Center, Rev. Fr. Eugene Beiter, St. Francis Retreat Center, and Decon Ted Heutsche, Catholic Community of St. Jude as celebrants. Rite of committal will follow in DeWitt Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Monday, from 5-8 p.m., and Tuesday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. At the church on Tuesday, a Scripture Service will be prayed at 7:00 p.m., with a Knights of Columbus Chalice Service following. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Community of St. Jude, Building Fund, 409 Wilson Street, DeWitt, MI 48820 or DeWitt, MI Boy Scout Troop 77,

% Bob Wegener, Scoutmaster, 14140 Trumpeter Lane, Lansing, MI 48906, in memory of Bill.

Online condolences may be made at: www.gorslineruncimandewitt.com