Bill Lamorandier

Throughout his life, William “Bill” Lamorandier enjoyed many things, but one of his favorite ways to spend his time was wrapped up in the words found in the Bible he so treasured. His life was not without trying times, but Bill always found a way to persevere while discovering happiness along the way. He was blessed to find love not once, but twice, and it was his family who brought him his greatest joy. Whether he was singing a favorite tune, enriching the lives of others with his sense of humor, or preparing a meal for his family, Bill put that special something into everything he did – a truly unique man who was cherished by so many.

Although the thirties are a time in America’s history that is most often associated with the Great Depression, there were many other events that were important pieces in our nation’s history, too. It was in the year 1934 that John Dillinger, the infamous bank robber, was shot and killed by an FBI agent, the FDIC was created and implemented, and the first Donald Duck cartoon was released. This was a year of great significance in the family of Robert and Anita (Empey) Lamorandier as they welcomed the birth of their son, William, on May 14th. William, who was most often called Bill, was born in Newaygo, Michigan, as one of 10 children in his family. The Lamorandier family was greatly affected by the Great Depression, which lingered into the forties in many cases. They made due with what they had, but they were certainly a family of limited means. When Bill was 10 years old, he moved to Lansing to live with his aunt, and he later moved to Kalamazoo. Bill completed his formal education through the eighth grade, leaving school to enter the workforce.

Initially, Bill took whatever job he could find, until he found his career in the grocery business. It was also during this time that Bill met the young girl with whom he would create the family he treasured. Her name was Joan Gilbo, and they met at a dance. They dated for a few years and were later married on June 26, 1954, at St. Hyacinth Church in Bay City. Not long after they were married, Bill and Joan were blessed with their first of four children: Mark, Paul, Dave, and Mary. They raised their children on Nazareth Road on the east side of Kalamazoo. Bill and his family were members at St. Mary’s, which they faithfully attended together. Later Bill worked to support his family through his job with the Comstock Public Schools. Joan was able to work around her children’s schedules, which meant nights and weekends, as an RN at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. As a father, Bill was the ultimate authority and although he did not particularly care for that role, he knew it was necessary in order to shape his children into respectable adults. At times, though, he could be a bit of a softie while Joan held the firmer line.

Over the years, Bill enjoyed a diverse palette of interests that he pursued as he was able. He was rather creative and enjoyed both woodworking and acrylic painting, with some of his most prized pieces being seasonal items. Bill especially loved getting up north to the family homestead where he could drink in the wonders of nature that he so dearly loved. He was quite talented in the kitchen at both cooking and baking, and several of his dishes were consistently requested by his family. Some of the family favorites were spaghetti, pea soup, and his meat pies were truly spectacular, too. Bill loved old movies, particularly westerns, although any old movie would do. He also liked the old country western music, and he was a talented musician who played the bones, spoons, and guitar. Singing was an activity that he enjoyed whether it was in the choir or around the house, which was part of his daily routine. When it came to reading, Bill would most often be reading his Bible.

Life drastically changed for Bill with the death of Joan in 1980. Although the days following her death were certainly more difficult, brighter days were just around the corner for Bill.

After some time had passed, Bill was blessed to make the acquaintance of Donna (Afton) Martens. They dated for a time and were married in 1982. Together they enjoyed the sunset of their lives. They loved camping together and frequently went for drives with more time to do so after Bill retired from Comstock Public Schools in 1997. They had a memorable bus trip out west that they both enjoyed.

Bill Lamorandier will be remembered for a great many things including his home-cooked meals, the countless songs he sang around the house, and his love for country western music. He loved spending time out in nature where he so easily lost himself in his magnificent surroundings. These were certainly all important aspects of who Bill was, but it was his overall love for life that those who knew him will remember most. Bill will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by those he leaves behind.

William “Bill” Lamorandier died on February 18, 2010, at Borgess Hospital. Bill’s family includes his 4 children, Mark Lamorandier, Paul (Linda) Lamorandier, Dave (Karina) Lamorandier, Mary (Michael) Hansen; 9 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Cecil and Raymond Lamorandier; sister-in-law, Rose Struble; 3 step-children, Doug (Marlene) Martens, Rick (Diane) Martens, Randy (Deanna) Martens; and 4 step-grandchildren, Bill was preceded in death by seven siblings and two wives; Joan Lamorandier and Donna (Martens) Lamorandier. Visit with Bill’s family and friends and view his life story film on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes - Kalamazoo, MI, 6080 Stadium Dr. 375-2900 where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 11 am at St. Mary’s Church. Food and fellowship will follow in the Fr. Bart Hall. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guest book, share a memory, or make a memorial contribution to the American Diabetes Association.