Bill (Harold William) Josephson

Bill (Harold William) Josephson, 86 years of Saline, MI passed away on June 26, 2017 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital .  Bill was born on March 12, 1931 in Forest Lake, MI., the son of the late Frank and Eureka Josephson.  His only sister, Violet Hupala and four brothers, Leonard, Rudy, Gunnard and Emil preceded him in death.  Bill attended a one room school in Traunik, MI in "da UP" until the eighth grade.  He left school and went to work in the lumber camp so he could help support the family homestead in Limestone, MI.  He then moved to the lower peninsula and learned to run a rock crusher.  The owner of that company taught Bill to run the crane that he had purchased and that was the start of his career as an Operating Engineer of Local 324.  He married Nan (Vendla Ann) VanLandschoot on July 14, 1951 in Detroit, MI and lived in Saline since 1960.  She survives along with his three daughters, JoAnne (Mike) Ashenden, Vicky (Rueben) Klein and Peggy (Doug) Creech.  Bill and Nan have six grandchildren, Brian Birchmeier, Trisha (Birchmeier) Schrock, Jolene and Justin Klein, Kristin and Sondra Creech.  They also have 11 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.  After retiring from the construction field, he and his two grandsons (Brian & Justin) started a business "You Ditch, We Pitch" and later ran it with his son in law (Mike) until retiring in his early 80's.  He enjoyed playing cards and was always willing to go to the Casino whenever asked and would drop everything just to be with his family.  His family was his joy and his love!  Visitation will be 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. July 19, 2017 at the Saline American Legion,  320 W. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI with a memorial service to follow.  Condolences to the family may be made online at www.pursefuneralhome.com.