William Douglas Mouser, 71, of Traverse City entered eternal life with his family by his side on October 27, 2021 at Munson Medical Center from complications of COVID-19.
Bill was born on September 10, 1950, in Hastings, MI to William Nelson Mouser and Janet Ruth (Shellenbarger) Mouser.
Bill graduated from Lake Wood High School in Lake Odessa in 1968. He went on to study at Lansing Community College where he met his partner and future wife, Shirley Jean Peters.
On September 30, 1972, Bill and Shirley united in matrimony in Houghton Lake. They were true partners in marriage, life, and family. He was unconditionally patient, compassionate, and devoted to his family and his one true love, Shirley Jean. Their devotion to each other showed how strong love could truly be.
Above all else, Bill cherished his family and always put them first. His children's and grandchildren's interest became his own. When he was promoted to "Papa" and then Great Grandpa, his heart only grew bigger. Bill was always on hand to push his grandkids on a swing, play music for them, or shuttle them to the river in Elk Rapids. Whether it was a baseball game, a golf tournament, a ski meet, or a tailgate, he was on call for whatever whim his family desired, and these precious memories will surely follow him into eternity.
Bill took great pride in his meticulous woodworking skills and for the most part, was self-taught. He was the mastermind, architect, and craftsman of 6 beautiful homes for his wife and family.
In his retirement, Bill worked part-time as the facilities manager at Garfield Township, and he served on the Grand Traverse County Road Commission, the Green Lake Township Planning and Zoning Committee, and on the Grand Traverse County Parks and Rec Commission. His passing is a devastating loss for our family and community.
Bill will be greatly missed for his wisdom and keen sense of humor. One of his friends said it best - "he didn't say much, but when he did, it was profound or funny."
Bill's spirit will be carried on by his beloved wife of 49 years, Shirley, and their children: Anna Mouser, Mary (Pete) McCall and William (Rachel) Mouser Jr.; grandchildren Madeline (Dakota) McCall Perry, Liam McCall, and Max McCall; great-grandson Barrett Perry; mother Janet Mouser, sister Wilnet (Tim) Crutchfield; brothers Eric Mouser and William (Tiffany) Mouser; brothers-in-law Larry (Bonnie) Peters, Joe (Betty) Peters, Denny (Sandy) Peters; sisters-in-law Bev Peabody and Carol (Mike) Pierce, and many much-loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends from every walk of life.
Bill was preceded in death by his father William, and he is reunited with his special angel, granddaughter Olivia Grace McCall.
The memorial service celebrating his life will be held on November 5, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation beginning one hour prior. A luncheon will follow at the Green Lake Township Golden Fellowship Hall.
Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to a fund for his grandchildren's education. Please share your memories with the family on this memorial webpage.