William Wilkinson

William “Bill” Perry Wilkinson, 76, of Stevensville was welcomed into heaven early Friday, July 11, 2014, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Monday, July 21, 2014 at The Chapel, 4250 Washington, St. Joseph, with Reverend Philip Bubar officiating. Friends may meet with the family from 2- 4 PM Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman. Memorial contributions may be made to Open Doors USA, PO Box 27001, Santa Ana, California 92799.

Bill was born June 21, 1938, the son of the late Lester and Gladys Wilkinson. He married Antoinette Natalie Emhoff on August 4, 1962 in Baroda. He was passionate in his love for God, a scholar of the Bible, and a devoted husband and father. Bill was often surrounded by youngsters, who loved his contagious sense of humor and creative enthusiasm for fun and games. He was a math, science, physical education and driver education teacher; athlete; coach; and outdoors man. He loved horses. In his 37 years of teaching at Lakeshore High School, he taught generations of math students and student drivers. He mentored kids and adults in Sunday School. Bill loved to laugh, sing, and dance - and few could resist his levity and kind heart. He skillfully played multiple instruments, could do amazing things in woodworking, and was an expert beekeeper. Many savored his harvested honey, including servicemen and servicewomen overseas. Bill will be deeply missed by many.

Survivors include his wife, Ann; three children - Bill (Beverly) Wilkinson II, Jane Banghart, and MaryBeth Wilkinson; and four grandchildren - William P. III, Jacob, Olivia, and Zoe Wilkinson.

Bill was also preceded in death by his elder sister, Laura Bartels.