William Wilson Niemann

William passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo, MI with his sister at his side, at the age of 71 years from a lingering illness. He is now in the arms of Jesus without any more suffering and pain! The son of the late William and Dorothy (Wilson) Niemann was born May 24, 1949 in Bay City, MI. William was a lifelong resident of Bay City, and graduated from Bay City Central in 1968. He was retired from General Motors where he worked in Saginaw and Buick Flint as a licensed electrician. Mr. Niemann proudly served his country for four years in the Vietnam Aircrew for the U.S. Navy. He was a life member of the following organizations: American Legion Post 18, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans, Moose International, the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization of Kokomo, IN. and the NRA. William was also a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans and Voiture Nationale Forty et Eight #1103.
William had an exuberance for life, always had a smile on his face, and would love to crack a joke or two. He always welcomed people to have a conversation with him over some food and a beer. He had a vivacious appetite for food all his life. Bill was strong willed but caring, loving, generous person who had a zest for life, enjoyed having fun and sharing that with those around him. He also loved going to the Saginaw Spirits Hockey games, routing for the boys, and a very loyal supporter of the young men who played.
William was a strong Republican who loved the country he served. He stood firm in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States that preserved the freedoms he fought for when serving this country. He knew this country was built on a strong Biblical foundation and wanted to help preserve that. His first love was always being with his fellow veterans who served. Bill gave much of his free time to make certain the American Legion Post 18 was always a welcoming and safe place for veterans to gather and share in their brotherhood; enriching all the lives that gathered together.
A very special appreciation and gratitude goes to veterans Mike and Pastor Charlie of American Legion Post 18, and Cindy, Julie, and Kim from Comfort Keepers who gave so much of their time and compassion to help Bill during his illness and became part of our adopted family. What you gave to Bill was priceless!!
William is survived by his sister, Kathleen Niemann; aunts, Patricia Wilson and Mildred Leppek; cousins, Jeffrey Wilson, Christy Delaney, Tom Leppek and Maryann Leppek. In addition to his parents, William is preceded in death by his uncles, Jack Wilson, Donald Wilson and Howard Wilson; aunt, Ruth Wilson; grandparents Ira and Clara Wilson.
At the request of William, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Private entombment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery at a later date. Per Bill's request, in lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Michigan Legion Boys/Girls State (a training program for youth to learn about government on a local to national level).