William Joseph Warnecke, age 81, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at The Villa at Rose City. He was born on July 10, 1942, in Garden City, MI to Donald and Garnet (Meads) Warnecke. Bill lived in West Branch, MI since 1975, formerly of Grand Rapids and Waterford.
On June 18, 1966, he married Emily Weaver in Flint, MI.
Bill graduated from Waterford High School in 1960. He attended Flint Jr. College for 2 years working towards his business degree and then received his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. Bill worked as a manager for JC Penny in Pontiac and Grand Rapids.
When he moved to West Branch in 1975, he managed at Value Department Store and was a Fish Population Control Officer. He sold life and auto insurance and did financial planning for businesses.
Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church in West Branch and helped establish the memorial garden as well as the wellness park in West Branch. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Emily Warnecke of West Branch; children Shawn (Patrick) Garvey of Moose Lake, MN and David Warnecke of Westland, MI; grandchildren Michael and Sarah; sister Shirley Trainer of Waterford, MI; and several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother James Warnecke.
The funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in West Branch on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Michelle Forsyth will officiate.
Memorial contributions can be made to the A.R.K. 3878 S. Maple Valley Rd., St Helen, MI 48656 and the First United Methodist Church Memorial Garden Fund.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com
