William D. Kaercher

Although born in Highland Park, William was raised in Detroit along with his older brother Donald who passed away in December 1944, while serving his country in WWII. On December 5, 1945 at the age of 17, William joined the Merchant Marines. The following year while bringing his friends to join the Army, William decided to leave the Merchant Marines and enlist in the United States Army. He went on to serve as a MP with the Japanese Occupation in Japan.

On February 16, 1948 he officially left the Army and returned to civilian life. A short time later in the Spring of 1948 he attended a friend's party and met the love of his life, Betty Jean Brown. In 1953 they married and began building their life together. Together William and Betty raised three children: Christopher, Lori (Corky) Davis and Kim (Steve) Kern and went on to dote on their four grandchildren: Ryan (Sara) Davis, Justin (Alicia) Davis, Krista Stoumbos and Kelli Kern and five great-grandchildren: Hayden, Annabella, Silas, Jordan and Finn Davis.

To support his family, William began studying at General Motors Institute, earning a Bachelor's Degree. He was a proud employee of General Motors for over 27 years before retiring in 1985 as the Chief of Security.

Following his retirement William stayed busy. He loved the outdoors and would make frequent trips to the family cabin he owned for over 32 years in Ludington, Michigan. There he enjoyed boating, fishing, skiing, riding his motorcycle and all other forms of outdoor activities. He also stayed active at home in Metro Detroit as a volunteer with the Livonia Spree, member of the VFW Post 4012 in Northville, member of the American Legion and past member of the Livonia Optimist Club.

William's family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday July 26, 2015 from 1-3 pm at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd. (east of Newburgh and I-275) in Livonia. His life will be celebrated with a Funeral Service, followed by Military Honors on Sunday July 26, 2015 at 3 pm at the Funeral Home.

For those who wish to make a memorial donation in William's memory the family suggests donations to:

Angela Hospice

14100 Newburgh Rd.

Livonia, MI 48154

www.angelahospice.org/donate