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| Service Information William "Bill" Meade |
| Visitation: Friday, February 13, from 5 to 7 PM at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, 49508, where the Rosary will be recited at 7 PM. Saturday, February 14, prior to the service at the church, from 10 - 10:45 AM. Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 14, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, 49506 Memorials: IHM Adoration fund (select "adoration" from the drop-down menu): https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/ihm or St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 303 St. Mary St., Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 https://stmaryparishll.org/waystogive-2/ |
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William (Bill) James Meade, born March 14, 1936, went to be with his Lord on Friday, January 16, 2026. A dedicated educator, Bill worked as a teacher and counselor for Grand Rapids Public Schools and City Middle/High School. He positively impacted countless students in his 35-year career. He loved to sing and graced the Immaculate Heart of Mary Choir, the Calvin Oratorio Society, and the Grand Rapids Symphonic Choir with his soaring tenor voice. Always seeking a laugh from others, he was the king of bestowing nicknames, and creating off-the-wall jingles to solicit smiles. He delighted in family gatherings and was the chief hamburger-maker for the “Meade Beach Days” on Lake Michigan. In his retirement, he enjoyed his annual golf outings with his brothers, and weekly golf outings with his brother, Mike, here in Michigan. Bill is survived by his wife of almost 62 years (4/4/64) Marcia Lee (Bunek) Meade; and his children, William H. (Rita), Martha (Chuck) Hayden, and Patricia (Michael) Reid; his grandchildren, William J. (Amy), Joshua, and Steven Meade; Charlotte and Noah Hayden; Katherine, Elizabeth, and Julia Reid; and great-grandson, Coal Voss. Also surviving are his siblings, Margaret (Bruce) Turnbull, J. Michael (Margaret) Meade, Genevieve (Steve) Borbas, Francis (Kathleen) Meade, and Andrew Meade; surviving in-laws, Margaret Bunek, Mary Bunek, Emelia (Jack) Welber, Elmer Bunek, William (Carol) Bunek, Julius (Cheryl) Bunek, and Theresa Bunek. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William H. and Julia Meade; his siblings, Mary Lou Meade, Colleen (James) McMahon; and in-laws, Marsha Meade, Emil and Martha Bunek, John Bunek, Glory (Larry) Leonard, Emil Bunek Jr., Sue Bunek, James Bunek, and Robert Bunek. Bill was greatly loved by his 43 nieces and nephews and many more great-nieces and great-nephews. The family welcomes visitors on Friday, February 13, from 5 to 7 PM at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, 49508, where the Rosary will be recited at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, 49506, on Saturday, February 14, at 11 AM with a visitation prior from 10 - 10:45 AM. Fr. Len Sudlik and Fr. Troy Nevins will preside. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill's memory to the IHM Adoration fund (select "adoration" from the drop-down menu): https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/ihm or St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 303 St. Mary St., Lake Leelanau, MI 49653, https://stmaryparishll.org/waystogive-2/
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STROO FUNERAL HOME
1095 68TH ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508
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Comments
You and Bill welcomed us into your home back in 1978 when we were just new at IHM. We never forgot the prayer group or the kindness you showed us. May God bless your family with peace and love as you adjust to life without Bill’s physical presence.
Our family still enjoys your recipe for angel food cake with the fluffy pudding frosting! XOX
Thank you for being such dear neighbors during our years in Grand Rapids. Please accept our condolences and know that Bill is in our prayers.
With love,
Chrystal and Bob Abhalter
May you feel God’s presence as he wraps His living arms around you and welcomes your Dad into His heavenly home.
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May God’s loving arms wrap around you and give you comfort as He welcomes your dad into his heavenly home.
We were saddened to hear of your father/grandfather's passing. Such a great guy! We're thinking of you at this difficult time.