William Bill S. Steensma

Bill passed away on July 14, 2012, from leukemia at the age of 93. Bill was born March 18, 1919, in St. Clair, Michigan, to the Reverend William S. Steensma and Emily A. Steensma (Shellhamer). Bill started his working life early, delivering the Saturday Evening Post as a boy. While in high school, he worked as a jeweler’s assistant. Bill graduated from Jackson High School in 1937 and then attended the University of Michigan taking engineering classes.

Bill joined the Army in January 1941 and served five years during WWII. He was in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Hungary. He rose from Private to Captain in less than two years, and was proud of being an Army engineer. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal, French Croix de Guerre, and five campaign medals with six bronze battle stars. After the war he served in the Army Active Reserve until 1969 and retired as Lieutenant Colonel from the Inactive Reserve in 1979 after 38 years in the military. His charity work to help his fellow veterans lasted until his passing.

After marrying Kay in 1945, he settled in the East Lansing area and raised three children. Bill retired from the Aeronautics Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation, on April 13, 1979, after working there for 33 years. His last ten years were as the Airport Engineer, Chief of Airport Design and Development.

A firm believer in exercise at any age, Bill credits the E.L. Parkwood YMCA with giving him all the years of his life after 1986. During a run at the YMCA track that year, he developed chest pains and ultimately had a heart bypass. However, his years of running had protected his heart from serious damage. Bill was still doing some aerobics until three weeks before his passing. Bill always treasured the many friends he made at the YMCA.

Bill worked as a volunteer at the Red Cross for decades. Many children benefited from his charitable support for the YMCA. Further, he was a dedicated volunteer for over 50 years for St. Thomas Aquinas church. Bill’s hobbies included woodworking, construction around his home, making stained glass objects, and collecting many, many toy cannons. He also enjoyed driving around the U.S. with Kay.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Sidney W. Steensma, sister Magdalena A. Hallock, sister Marguerite H. Prescott, and brother Paul J. Steensma. His beloved with of 67 years, Kay, just passed away on July 10, 2012. Surviving are his daughters, Kristine A. Steensma and Jean M. Steensma; son David K. Steensma; one granddaughter; 2 great-granddaughters and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Road, East Lansing with the Rev. James Lothamer officiating. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, July 16, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing. There will also be visitation 1 hour prior at the church on Tuesday. Those desiring may make contributions to the Parkwood YMCA, 2306 Haslett Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 in memory of Bill.