William Hazen Mercer

William 'Bill' Hazen Mercer, 98, of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan passed away peacefully, on June 28, 2026, retaining his independence and keen mind until the end. He lived a life defined by hard work and quiet generosity. He was known for his profound wisdom and patience. Faithfully he protected his family and cared for their needs.

William was born in Winona, Minnesota to Bill and Olive (Smith) Mercer in 1927. He was the sixth of eight children. William left home at an early age to work on a farm and attend school at Bethel Academy in central Wisconsin. After graduating he moved to Michigan to continue his education at Emmanuel Missionary College in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He received his BA degree in 1953.

It was during his college years that he met Jeanette Suessmith in his hometown of Winona, Minnesota. Sometimes he would sleep in a cornfield as he hitchhiked from school to see her. They were married on July 30, 1948, in New Buffalo, Michigan. They had two children, Linda (Ron) Ghilardi and Dr. Thomas (Shirley) Mercer. The family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where William finished his MA degree and continued working on a doctorate at the University of Michigan. William spent most of his career as a history teacher and administrator at Southeastern High School in Detroit, Michigan. He retired in 1986.

William devoted many hours in faithful service to God and his fellowmen at the Warren Seventh-day Adventist church in Michigan. He held several positions over the years as an elder, treasurer, clerk, Sabbath School teacher, Pathfinder leader, choir member and more.

When at home William loved keeping the yard manicured. He was a neighborhood friend to all who walked by and stopped to say "Hello" as he worked. William also enjoyed the great outdoors. Each week he took the family on Sabbath afternoon walks to parks in lower Michigan and Canada. Each summer the family would vacation, camping at many National Parks across the country. Willam always had his binoculars handy to search for new birds. When at home he was a coin collector, crossword puzzle solver, and avid reader. He was also the family historian and took great pleasure in going to the archives to gather new information.

His marriage to Jeanette ended when she passed away in 2007. They spent 59 wonderful years together. In 2013 William found love again and married Linda Khalil on February 3. Her two children, Nicole (Randall) Minnick and Tony (Brenda) Khalil were adults with children. They had many joyful family gatherings and spent 13 years together enjoying music and Jeopardy.

William is survived by one brother, Manley Mercer and half brother, Floyd Mercer; his children and step children; four grandchildren, Justin (Amanda) Mercer, Jeremy (Dominique) Mercer, Michele (Hayze) Cencak, Michael (Heather) Mercer; three step grandchildren, Kayla (Fred) Holden, Jessica (Eric) Smoot, Aidan Khalil; seven great grandchildren, Tristan, Everly Rose, Elijah, Isabella, Abigail, Camden, Sadie; three step great grandchildren; Archer, Myles, Callum, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. Remains will be buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Arrangements were directed by Kaul Funeral Home, St. Clair Shores, Michigan.