William Julius "Bill" Casier, of Traverse City, passed away Thu, Jan 23, at Munson Medical Center at age 87. He was born in Flint on Jun 12, 1932 to Louise Fehrenbach and William Casier before the family moved to Traverse City.
He graduated from St Francis High School in 1950.
On Oct 20, 1951 he married Betty, his high school sweetheart, whom he escorted to all four of their high school proms. They were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Traverse City and raised their family in the city's Central Neighborhood, where the Casier family members were trusted friends and neighbors to many. Bill and Betty were together for 53 years before her passing on May 22, 2005. He and his son, Tom, were her loving caregivers in her fight against multiple sclerosis.
Bill wrote in his high school yearbook, "I'll make my mark in the world if I have to use a chisel."
His strong work ethic drove his diverse and rewarding business career. He was a successful Leelanau County cherry farmer throughout his life and began custom shaking farms in Empire in 1976, harvesting upwards of a million pounds a year. He was appointed to the Michigan Plum Board by Gov. James Blanchard and continued to play an active role in the family's orchard and maple syrup operations of his two sons.
Bill also worked for 30 years at the Traverse Iron works, starting at the drafting table and working his way up to be foundry superintendent. From 1963 to 1968, he owned and operated Club 31 south of Traverse City (now McGee's 31). After the Iron Works closed, Bill and Betty purchased Shady Shores Resort on Little Glen Lake in 1985. They operated the 11 cottage resort until 1998.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his cousin, Robert J Zeffero, who was like a brother to Bill.
Bill is survived by five children - daughters, Debbie (Guy Sauer) Purkiss, of UT, and Rhonda (Bill Bartholomew) Casier, of Cadillac; son, William S Casier, of Empire; daughter, Libby Casier; son, Thomas Bryan Casier, both of Traverse City; five grandchildren, Elissa (Bill) Greenhoe, Michelle (Bryan) Carson, Julie, Michael and Katherine Purkiss; nine great grandchildren; and his special canine friend, Shadow.
The family is especially grateful to Tom for taking exceptional care of Bill in recent years.
The family is being assisted by the Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City, where visitation will take place on Jan 29 from 1 to 3 pm, followed by a gathering at 6 pm and a rosary recitation at 7 pm. Funeral services will take place on Jan 30 at St Francis Church in Traverse City with a 10 am gathering followed by a funeral Mass at 11 am.
