William "Bill" Robert Kiessel

William R. Kiessel, age 98, of Saline, MI joined our Lord peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025. Bill was born on February 22, 1927 in Suttons Bay, MI to the late Viola C. (Homminga) Kiessel and Robert J. Kiessel. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alfred J. Kiessel. Also preceding him was his wife of 70 years, F. Joan (Hart) Kiessel. He is survived by his five children: Margaret (Michael) Morrow of East Lansing, Robert (Judith) Kiessel of Plymouth, Laura (Joseph) Meyecic of White Lake, Martha Walts of Ypsilanti Twp. and William D. Kiessel of Palmetto, FL. Bill was also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Bill’s studies at the University of Michigan include BS, MS and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Metallurgy. His career began at Ford Motor Company and spanned more than 20 years. His work included Scientific Research; the Steel Division at the Rouge Complex where he was involved in new steel manufacturing technology; as Plant Manager at the Rawsonville Plant which made all of the company’s carburetors; as Executive Engineer in the Carburetor Engineering Division; and in Emission Development in the Engine Division. In 1974 he moved to Ohio for a Senior position at the White Motor Company. He finished his career as a Vice President for Eaton Corporation involved in Manufacturing. Bill married the love of his life, F. Joan Hart on January 22, 1949. Together for 70 years, they raised 5 children with love, discipline, strong Catholic faith and an emphasis on the importance of education. The family enjoyed many happy experiences together while travelling on camping trips in the summers and trips to Florida in the spring. As a couple Bill and Joan enjoyed playing bridge, skiing, ballroom dancing and dinner parties with friends at each other’s homes. Bill also enjoyed spending time with his family, following the stock market, solving crossword puzzles and playing golf. But his favorite hobby was carpentry. He enjoyed building things in his own homes, helping his kids with building and remodeling projects in their homes, and even built a family cottage and designed one of his homes. In retirement he became very involved with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit which provides strength, stability and self reliance through shelter. He enjoyed teaching the families who were getting their own home how to do many of the construction projects. In 2016, Bill and Joan returned to Michigan to be near family and live at StoryPoint in Saline where they enjoyed visits to and from family and making new friends. Our family is very grateful to the staff at StoryPoint for their excellent care and kindness to our parents. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Friday, May 30th from 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Saline. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M. with Fr. John Linden as Celebrant. Following the Mass a luncheon will be held at the Church. Burial will take place in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to St. Andrew the Apostle Debt Elimination Fund, and envelopes will be available at the Church. To leave a memory you have of Bill, to sign his online guestbook or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com

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William "Bill" Robert Kiessel

February 22, 1927 - May 23, 2025