William "Bill" McGee

TRAVERSE CITY — William Francis "Bill" McGee, 82, was received into the arms of God Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, at home, with his loving wife by his side and surrounded by family members.Bill was born June 6, 1928, in Detroit. He received a nursing degree from Minneapolis General Hospital and became a nurse at Detroit Mt. Carmel. This is where he met his wife, rock, pillar of strength, Bernadette Rooney. They married on April 7, 1956, at Holy Rosary Church in Flint, which started 54 years of a faith-filled marriage. Dad and Mom have shown by example how to live a life committed to the marriage vows spoken so many years ago; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. How lucky for us to be a witness to this testament of faith and love.Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, at which time he received a medical honorable discharge due to a brain tumor. He took great pride and honor in this service and continued by serving his faith and local community.Bill and Bernie moved to Traverse City in 1956, where they became members of Immaculate Conception Parish. Bill served the church in many ways: President of the I.C. Men's Club, chairman of the I.C. School Building Drive, chairman of the I.C. Mass Commentators, chairman of the I.C. Interim Board of Education, director and instructor of the High School Religious Program, CCD Instructor, member of the Diocesan Liturgical Committee, and a member of the Ecumenical Diocesan Committee. Bill served as an usher at Immaculate Conception for nearly 50 years.Bill was a professional pharmaceutical sales representative for CIBA Pharmaceutical Company, becoming a frontrunner in the quest to find medical assistance for the learning disabled. He was a consultant and served on the Board of the Child Guidance Clinic for many years.Dad was more than a father to the nine of us. Throughout our growing years, Dad and Mom welcomed into our home unwed mothers, troubled teens, young adults, and VISTA volunteers who worked at the Peshawbestown Indian reservation.On Nov. 1, 1971, Dad's life took a dramatic change when he survived a near-fatal car accident. The constant pain and suffering did not deter his faith or service to others. As stated in his recent induction into the Grand Traverse Catholic School Hall of Fame, "Bill was a member of the Grand Traverse Board of Education from 1973-1985. During tumultuous times of consolidation and dual enrollment, Bill had courage, vision, and the ability to articulate a plan for the schools. He brought healing to parishioners and gave direction to 'stay the course.'" Dad was a mentor and teacher in photography and yearbook to hundreds of Saint Francis students for more than 25 years. There was rarely a sports, school, or church event he did not attend and photograph. In 1994, Dad received the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools Achievement Award for "extraordinary service in non-public education." His actual accomplishments to church and community, while vast, pale in comparison to the courage, selflessness, leadership, and perseverance he has both physically and spiritually displayed throughout his life. This is what will continue to serve as guidance for us all to live by.Dad's loves in life were his faith, family, and friends. His love of photography, music, old movies, sports, history, and good conversation, has been passed down to us all.Bill was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Margaret McGee; brothers-in-law, Rev. Bernard "Turk" Rooney C.Ss.R. and Maurice O'Halloran; and great-grandson, Zachary Moll.He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Denise O'Halloran, John (Marian) McGee, Pat (Rose) McGee, and Sr. Borgia Ann McGee S.S.J. He is also survived by his remarkable wife, Bernie, and their nine children: Kathleen McGee-Cecchi, Patty (Mike) Martin, Dan (Janet) McGee, Mary (Fran Cullen) McGee-Cullen, Tom McGee, and John McGee, all of Traverse City, Kevin McGee, of Middleville, Kieran (Kevin Shafer) McGee and Bill (Staci) McGee, of Rockford. Bill and Bernie have been blessed with 17 grandchildren, Gina (Scott), Alana, Erin, Audrey, Marley, Shealyn, Ryan, Kennedy, Helen, Connor, Evan, Delaney, Justine, Sydney, Sean, Keegan, Kati; two great-grandchildren, Nick and Sam; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.Dad touched the lives of many. Visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Centennial Hall today, Oct. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a wake service at 7 p.m.Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery.Please remember Dad through memorial gifts to the Immaculate Conception Food Pantry, Northwestern Michigan College Foundation in Memory of William McGee — Nursing Scholarship Fund, or the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund.The family would like to send our deepest gratitude to the numerous doctors and staff who have cared for dad over these many years. Our many thanks also go out to the Munson Hospital 4A staff and Comfort Keepers for their gentle care of Dad in his final days.Kindly share thoughts and memories about our dad online at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.Dad did not fear death. He was a living example of faith, hope and love. Dad, Grandpa, Jaja, loving husband, father, gentle spirit and quiet hero, we thank you and we love you always.

William "Bill" McGee

October 4, 2010