William J. Schele

William Jon "Bill" Schele, 72, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully at home on June 16, after a seven-year battle with cancer.

He was born November 12, 1942 in Battle Creek, Mich. to William E. and Grace C. (Wilson) Schele. He graduated from Harper Creek High School in 1961. He began working for Glenn White Heating and Cooling while still in high school and in 1964 began his career with the Battle Creek Gas Company, retiring from SEMCO in 1998 after 33 years of service.

Bill married Sharon Chivington on July 28, 1964. He is survived by his wife, their three children, Sherry (Doug) Sofia of Battle Creek, Caroline (Mark) Johnson of Bloomington, Ill., and Bill (Christina Holz) Schele of Olivet and three grandchildren, Pauline, Devon, and Dalton Schele, all of Olivet. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, JoAnn Simonson, of Oshtemo, aunt, Mary Baird, of Battle Creek, and cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his loyal German Shepherd companion, Buddy.

Bill had many talents and interests. He could build anything and operated his own sheet metal business. He enjoyed tinkering with old cars, woodworking and target/clay pigeon shooting with his son, grandsons and son-in-laws. Bill farmed for more than 20 years and always had a large garden, sharing its bounty with neighbors, family, and friends.

Family will receive visitors on Monday, June 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel at Floral Lawn Memorial Cemetery. Services will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel. One of Bill's favorite foods was ice cream. In celebration of his life, there will be an ice cream social following the service until 5:00 p.m. at Pasche's at 11081 East Michigan Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's honor to the American Cancer Society or Oaklawn Hospice. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Bill may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.