William "Bill" S. Springer

William S Springer passed peacefully on June 6, 2024 with family at his side at the age of 100. Bill was born on March 20th, 1924, the son of George and Eva (Hunsicker) Springer in Lansing, Michigan. After 2 years of college, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps where he honorably served his country as a navigator on B-24s in the Pacific during World War II. He flew 40 missions from Morotai in the 372ndsquadron 307th Bomb Group of the 13th Air Force. On returning from the war as a 1st Lieutenant, he married the love of his life, Dorothea Eleanor Hein (Dee) at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Lansing on June 14th, 1947, and they spent 76 wonderful years together before Dee entered eternal life on December 31, 2023. Bill graduated from Michigan State College and spent much of his career as a chemical engineer, retiring in March of 1988 from Ford Motor Company. In addition to Lansing, Bill lived in Albion, MI, Huron, OH, Grosse Ile, MI and wintered in Hilton Head, SC for many years, where the family enjoyed gathering for winter vacations and Easter visits. Bill and Dee moved to the Traverse City area in 1989. Bill enjoyed sailing, golf, tennis, bridge and his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Bill completed crossword puzzles daily, and he was very adept at using puns and plays on words. He also enjoyed playing euphonium in the NMC band. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Traverse City Senior Center, 307th Bomb Group Association and SAE Fraternity. Bill had a wonderful sense of humor, a kind and generous heart, was always a true gentleman, and made friends wherever he went. He was devoted to his large loving family, and is survived by daughters, Cindy Eldredge and Deborah (Dave) LaGuire of Traverse City; sons David (Julia Baker) Springer of Babcock Ranch, FL and Matthew (Kim) Springer of Whitehall, MI; grandchildren Rebecca (Adrian Esquivel) Eldredge and Kristen (Anthony Valdez) Eldredge, Zachary LaGuire, Dania Springer, Andrea (Josh) Slepkow, Ed (Kayla) Baker, Michael Springer, Colin (Kelcie) Springer, Ryan Springer and Rachel Springer; and great-grandchildren Elliana Esquivel, Carter LaGuire, Ashton, Evret, Phynegan and Solomon LaGuire, Grayson Slepkow, Rowan and Rubi Springer; and his sister, Wilma (Chuck) Stevens. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dee, his sister Ina (Robert) Mooney, his son-in-law Michael Eldredge, and his granddaughter, Amy LaGuire. Although he was enjoying his friends and activities at Boardman Lake Glens and at Trinity Lutheran Church, especially Jim and Melissa Frances, he yearned to rejoin his bride and we know that they rejoiced together on their 77th anniversary in the presence of their Lord and Savior. The family is very grateful for the loving care and support they both received at Boardman Lake Glens and from Hospice of Michigan. If you choose to make a memorial contribution, it could be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or Hospice of Michigan. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 26th at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11am, with a visitation held from 10am until the time of the service. A luncheon will also be held following the service. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. .