William Joseph “Bill” Banaszak of Grand Rapids, MI passed peacefully away Friday, March 10, 2017. Bill graduated from Catholic Central in 1951 and received his degree in education from Central Michigan University. Bill married Mary Lou, his wife of 59 years, on January 25, 1958. He was a devout Catholic, and founding parishioner at St. Paul the Apostle. Bill was a kind and gentle man. You couldn’t help but notice his blue eyes and sweet nature. He was a joy to be around and nothing brought him more pleasure than being with his family and attending his grandchildren’s activities, he will be dearly missed. Bill taught at Caledonia Schools for over 35 years. He coached the Fighting Scots football, basketball, baseball and track teams. Bill was an all-state football player at Catholic Central and three year starter as linebacker for Central Michigan Football. In 1972 he was voted the best offensive center in Grand Rapids over the past 25 years. Bill was inducted into the Caledonia Sports Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Catholic Central Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. He proudly served in the U.S. Army. Bill was survived by his wife Mary Lou, daughter Mary Margaret, and sons Bob (Mary Ann), Paige (Susan deceased), Brad (Penny) and grandchildren Anthony (Kristina), Chase, Robert, Paige, Shelby, Tyler, Spencer and Shaun and great granddaughter Emery. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2750 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids. Msgr. Ernest Schneider presiding. The family will meet with friends and relatives one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Rd., Ste 100, Southfield, MI 48033-7443.
