William Charles "Bill" Pothoff

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built, and this is how William Charles Bill Pothoff lived his life. The year 1924 was a time of diverse and wide-reaching events. Technology began to change with the emergence of a company forever known as IBM, while people were entertained by Disneys first cartoon, Alice in Wonderland, and the music of Gershwins Rhapsody in Blue. For Claude and Estelle (Neahr) Pothoff, living in Muskegon, Michigan, their life changes revolved around their family. On a cold January 9, 1924, Claude and Estelle welcomed the birth a bouncing baby boy they named William Charles. Bill was one of five children in the Pothoff family, surrounded by his brothers Edward and Jack and sisters Carolina and Deloris. Bill and his siblings grew up and went to school in Muskegon Heights, where Bill graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in the early 1940s, with the country in the midst of World War II. As battles like Midway and Guadalcanal covered the front pages of newspapers, Bill and thousands of other young men joined the Army and the fight for freedom. In 1946, Bill met and married the love of his life, Eleanor Jean Edlund. Like his parents, Bill became the father of five wonderful children, sons Chuck, Chris and Gary, and his beautiful daughters, Sue and Mari. With a growing family to support, Bill worked as an engineer for Sealed Power, a Muskegon based company that specializes in manufacturing engine parts, such as piston rings and steel camshafts. He was a dedicated worker for 42 years, retiring in 1980. When not working, Bill spent his time involved in activities at his church, the McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, and the fraternal benefit society, The Independent Order of Vikings, fondly called the Viking Lodge. The goals of the Lodge - unity of fellowship, help in time of need, and a sound investment in the future are a wonderful way to describe the way Bill lived his life. On July 1, 2004, Bills beloved Eleanor passed away. Now, three years later, they are reunited again in heaven. A hard worker, a courageous serviceman, and beloved family man, Bill Pothoff will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by those who loved him. William Charles Bill Pothoff died on Wednesday, August 22, 2007. Preceding him in death are his parents, his wife, Eleanor, his brother Jack and his sister, Deloris. Members of his family include his sons, Chuck (Anne) Pothoff of Muskegon, Chris (Wendy) Pothoff of GA & Gary (Kristi) Pothoff of Muskegon; his daughters, Sue Valk of FL & Mari (Earl) Fuhrman of FL; 12 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; sister, Carolina Isley of Muskegon & a brother, Edward Edlund of IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Eleanor on July 1, 2004, brother, Jack & a sister, Deloris. Services will be Saturday, August 25, 2007 at 1:00 PM at McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, with Dr. Gerald Wahr officiating. For those wishing, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Please visit Bills personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook. Arrangements by Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon.