William Cooper Fitch

William is survived by his beloved wife, Flossie Mollberg Fitch; and three daughters Laurie Fitch Weissbrod (Eddie Wright), Kimberly Fitch (David Deibel), and Julie Fitch Rice (John Rice). His stepchildren Rene’ Wheaton, Derek Wheaton (Dawn Wheaton), and Glenn Wheaton also survive him. Bill is survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his brother, Edward (Ted) Fitch. He is preceded in death by his parents Leland and Marion Fitch, and brothers George and Thomas.

Bill was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 10, 1931. He went to Buchanan High School and worked on the family farm in Marlette, Michigan. He attended Alma College and the University of Toledo, where he earned his degree in business administration. Bill served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Washington, DC. He worked at Sinclair Manufacturing/Purex/Armour: Dial in Toledo, Ohio, and Phoenix, Arizona as a traffic and logistics manager.

His greatest loves, after his family, were his faith and basketball. Bill served as a deacon and an elder at the Christ Presbyterian Church in Toledo, Ohio for many years. He was a Sunday school teacher and coached the church’s basketball team. A lover of sports, Bill played basketball in high school, and college (at Alma), and was a regular pick-up player at the Toledo YMCA. He also played in many leagues throughout his basketball career. He earned a gold medal at the Senior Olympics 3-on-3 competition held in Tucson, Arizona in the early 1990s in basketball.

Bill had a very strong faith. His favorite passages were Romans 5:1 and Jeremiah 29:11. One of his favorite hymns was “Amazing Grace.”

We are grateful for Bill’s three daughters who shared their dad, Bill, with Flossie and her family these last 27 years of his life. Bill and Flossie’s love story started in grade school when Bill was in the fifth grade at Buchanan Elementary and Flossie was in the fourth. They were in a split class together. This was their first meeting, but it would not be their last. Throughout their school years, they would run into each other as one of Flossie’s brothers, Lene’, was friends with Bill. Bill moved out of Buchanan to a small farm community in Marlette. Bill and Flossie dated when she was just out of college before she started her student teaching experience in Galesburg, Michigan. He enlisted in the Air Force and Flossie and Bill had less contact with each other. They started their separate lives, married someone else, and had three children each. Bill has three daughters (Laurie, Kimberly, and Julie), and Flossie a daughter (Rene’), and two sons (Derek and Glenn).

Fast forward fifty years and Bill was talking to a fellow Buchananite, Herb Moyer, about the annual alumni event called BucTeens. Herb said, “If you come you might run into your old girlfriend.” “What girlfriend?” asked Bill. “Flossie Mollberg” announced Herb. Well, both Bill and Flossie were divorced, Bill contacted Flossie to meet up and before you knew it, they were dating in their mid-60s! Their first date was a dinner out on Bill’s birthday! Bill and Flossie consecrated their marriage on January 4, 1997. Two families became one blended family.

Bill brought to our family his love of reading, sports (especially basketball), working out, doing anything to make others happy, and oh yeah, telling lots of great stories and dad jokes! Bill played basketball as a senior Olympian and traveled throughout the United States to play. One game, Bill had a scoring drought and Flossie gave a pep talk that allowed him to score 14 points! Bill took his health seriously and consistently worked out at the gym and was knowledgeable enough to be a personal trainer! Well, he gave us a lot of great advice!

Bill quickly became not just a stepdad to us but a real “dad” and grandpa. He was known to honor anyone’s request and would frequently run to the store to buy ice cream or some special ingredients for Mickey waffles. Bill always put others first! He inspired others and cheered them on to greater heights than you would ever know.

Bill had a love of family! He frequently shared the successes and adventures that his daughters and their kids and grandkids achieved. He ensured that each family member knew they were loved and cared for through a handwritten card or note. As a keen observer, he made sure that each time you were with him it was your "special" time. He had a knack for knowing something about you and tailored his conversation with some important facts or information that related to the topic. Most famous were his “dad jokes” which not only brought hilarious laughter to all present but the unmistakable Bill laugh that could make anyone have a better day!

Bill leaves behind his soul mate and the love of his life, Flossie, whom he adored! He would tell her he loved her at least 15 times per day! She was his peaches and special buddy. To end this precious life journey together with each other is a blessing from God and Heaven above.

Anyone who has ever been touched by Bill’s soul will never forget his kind and caring demeanor, his love of life, and his special laugh! His warm and loving heart will forever be cherished and his legacy of inspiring others, cheering them on, making each person special, and making them laugh will live on in eternity!

I want you to think of your favorite dad joke. What is it? Who told it to you? What memories do you hold when you hear it? I know you’re laughing! Exactly what Bill would want you to do! Why do you need to wear a bib when you eat lasagna? You get less on ya!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill's name to Faith Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.