William John “Bill” Wyatt, age 83, of 605 South 13th Street, died Friday evening September 5, 2008 at home surrounded by his loving family.

William was born February 14, 1925 in Gladstone the son of Merle and Bernice (Moore) Wyatt. Bill was raised in Gladstone and he was a 1943 graduate of the Gladstone High School, graduating as the class Valedictorian. Following graduation, Bill served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Washington where he fought in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

Upon his honorable discharge in 1946, Bill continued his education at the Ferris Institute College of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, graduating in 1953.

Bill returned to Gladstone in 1953 where he worked as a pharmacist for Ivory Drug. He purchased Ivory Drug in 1964 and continued to operate the pharmacy until his retirement in 1995.

Bill was united in marriage to the former Carol Long on June 13, 1964 at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. They made their home at their current location where they raised their two daughters, Audra and Stephanie.

Bill was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone and the Gladstone Masonic Lodge #396 F&AM.

Bill’s family was always the center of his life. His hobbies included reading and jogging.

In addition to his wife Carol, survivors include;

2 daughters: Audra (Dave) Steinhoff of Gladstone; Stephanie (Curt) Spreen of Rapid River

Grandchildren; Jenna and Aaron Steinhoff of Gladstone

3 brothers: Lee (Hannelore) Wyatt of Wayland, MI; Jim (Ardis) Wyatt of Caledonia, MI; Bruce (Shirley) Wyatt of Middleville, MI

1 sister; Donna Martin of Muncie, IN

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie Ann Apelgren.
According to Bill’s wishes, private funeral services will be held at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions in memory of William John Wyatt may be directed to the First Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society, or to the Marquette General Home Health and Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.