William John Meszynski

A remarkable man who lived life with love, dedication, compassion and hard work, William John Meszynski leaves fond memories in the hearts of many. Foremost was his family whom he was extremely proud and treasured them above all else. With his patriotic heart, he also leaves years of dedication and service to his country, community and fellow comrades. He will be sorely missed. The year was 1929 and the days of the flapper and the infamous Roaring 20s gave way to hard economic times the world over. Throughout the nation, financial uncertainty turned to panic with the crash of the stock market. Merely the beginning of hard times in America, the Great Depression was officially launched in a country that had seen much growth and prosperity. On October 29, 1929, forever known as Black Tuesday, William D. and Wanda (Ciezak) Meszynskis life became bright with hope in the midst of these times with the birth of their baby boy, William John. Joining older sister Tessie, the family made their home in the lakeshore town of Muskegon, Michigan where Williams father worked as an automotive painter and his mother was a homemaker. William attended the local schools and went on to North Muskegon High School. Times as they were, William left school to find work during hard times. Although he didnt graduate with his class, he later went on to receive his G.E.D. The end of World War II brought stability throughout the nation but with the onset of the Korean War, William felt the call of duty. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1951 and was honorably discharged from duty two years later as a Master Sergeant First Class. With the war behind him, the 1950s had much in store for William. He met the love of his life, a dark haired, brown eyed beauty named Norma Jean Oslund. She danced her way into Williams heart one evening while he attended a dance at the Blue Heaven Dance Hall in nearby Twin Lake. Once their eyes met, there was no turning back and before long a romance developed. Their love was destined to be and on October 2, 1954 they shared vows as husband and wife before family and friends in Muskegon. William and Norma became life partners and enjoyed each others company their whole lives through. Blessed with children, William and Norma became dedicated and supportive parents. William, Michael and Kathryn brought much joy to their lives. A fun loving family, family gatherings were cherished throughout the years. As an attentive and loving father, Williams family meant the world to him. Wonderful memories were made on family vacations to Lapeer, Mackinaw Island, Niagara Falls and Chicago. In the midst of their busy life and as the children grew older, William and Norma made it a point to sit down each Sunday to share a family meal that provided quality time together. Over the years William and Norma loved spending time with friends, too. They eventually transformed their garage into a furnished family room each summer that allowed more room to entertain. Even though Williams time in war had ended, he never ceased holding his country in high regard. He continued to serve with his work at the Michigan Veterans Facility located in Grand Rapids, Michigan as a residential aide and became quite involved in Veterans affairs throughout the community. A very patriotic man, William had the utmost love for his country and was honored to be of assistance to those that served. William was a life member of the D.A.V. and member of the American Legion. His life membership in the Don Rea VFW Post 8846 always had William looking forward to the annual dinner variety show the post and auxiliary put on every August. The show, It Takes Guts entertained over 70 residents at the Veterans facility each year, bringing much needed smiles and laughter to many. It usually turned out to be a family affair as Norma often helped out. Williams daughter Kathy loved her involvement in the show as well, especially helping her dad prepare for his skit when he dressed in womens clothing. Although he was one ugly female, she was truly proud of him and the effort he made toward his fellow Veterans. Along with his work and many other involvements, William was also a past member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge #274 and after 35 years, retired from the Old Newsboys. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a proud golfer as well as a Detroit Tiger baseball fan. A master at pitching horseshoes, he could beat the best of them! Bill truly found joy working in his wood shop. He and Norma also found enjoyment working in their yard as they shared a love for gardening. Throughout their life together, William continued to love dancing with his sweetheart Norma and was a great dancer at that. After retiring in 1992, they enjoyed taking trips up north to the Little River Casino. Difficult times fell upon William and his family when his youngest son Michael died. It was especially hard on him when his beloved Norma died in March of this year. As his own health began to waver, William was placed into the helpful care and pleasant surroundings at the Poppen Hospice House in Muskegon. At the age of 79, William John Meszynski died peacefully on Thursday, October 15, 2009. A remarkable man who lived a remarkable life filled with love, life and dedication, he will be sadly missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him. Members of Williams family include his son, William G. (Cathy) Meszynski of Twin Lake; daughter, Kathryn (Mike) Brower of Onekama; grandchildren, Michael, Amanda, Cassandra, Michael, Andrew, and Erica; several great-grandchildren; his sister, Tessie (Ed) Kalinowski of Nevada. A Memorial Service to celebrate Williams life will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 10:30 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Celebrant Richard J. Karelse officiating and military honors will be under the auspices of the Don Rea Post 8846. Visitation will take place on Monday, 7-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. Memorials to Harbor Hospice or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church Food Pantry are appreciated. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign his online guest book.