William G. Mack

William "Bill" G. Mack, 95, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Oaklawn Hospital.

Bill was born on August 25, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois to William and Agnes (Nelson) Mack.

He attended Argo High School in Argo, Illinois, and after graduation enrolled at Drake University. After two years at Drake, he transferred to what was then called Michigan State College (Michigan State University). Bill excelled as a student athlete, attaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

At Michigan State, Helen Quick caught Bill’s eye, and the two were married on September 6, 1952, in Marshall, Michigan. They moved to Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, Washington later that same year when Bill joined the United States Army. He was honorably discharged on October 13, 1954, attaining the rank of Corporal and serving as an MP and occupational therapist at Ft. Lewis.

After the Army, Bill and Helen moved back to Marshall, where Bill was the owner/operator of Cities Service, a service station he operated for several years in town. Bill then began his teaching career as a math teacher at Marshall Public Schools Junior High, where he also coached track, was the assistant JV football coach, and started the cross-country team. After 10 years teaching, Bill moved to the Kellogg Company, where he worked for 22 years, retiring as a Senior Manager in Information Systems.

In 1996, Bill was inducted into the Michigan State University Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in cross country and track. He was the anchor leg for the 2 Mile Relay team in 1950 that set the World Record (at the time), an All-American in 1950 in the one-mile run, a 4-time cross country All-American (2 at Drake University), and the Captain of the Michigan State Cross Country Team.

Bill was a longtime, active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall, and he had served two terms on their Vestry, was an usher and performed every member canvass duties. He was also a member of the Marshall Moose Lodge and the Michigan State University Alumni Association. Bill enjoyed reading, vegetable gardening, attending sporting events or watching them on TV, golfing, and traveling. He and Helen spent countless summer days at their cottage on Spider Lake, in Traverse City, Michigan.

Bill had a mind for details and a wonderful memory. He recorded his family’s genealogy for several generations and could recall highlights from his life in great detail. Above all else, he loved being with his family, following their lives and cheering them on to do their best.

He is survived by his children, Karen Strough of Battle Creek, Michigan, Carol (Michael) Albaugh of Marshall, Michigan, and William R. (Michelle) Mack of Novi, Michigan; his sister, Lorraine Gawlik of Winfield, Illinois; his grandchildren, David (Kelli) Albaugh, Steven (Tiffany Karas) Albaugh, Thomas (Abby Willging) Albaugh, Eric Strough, Kristen (Bryan) Warrick, Leah (Trevor) Chamberlin, Will Mack, and Owen Mack; his great grandchildren, George Albaugh, Violet Albaugh, Noah Albaugh, Evelynn Albaugh, CJ Karas, Naomi Willging, Baby Chamberlin (due in August); many nieces and nephews; his brother-in-law, Albert (Brenda) Quick of Traverse City, Michigan, and family in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen of 62 years, who passed away on August 16, 2015, his brothers, Allan Mack, Edward Mack, Donald Mack, and his son-in-law, William Strough.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, and on Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Episcopal Church 101 E. Mansion St. Marshall, Michigan 49068. Father David Pike, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall, Michigan.

Memorials are suggested to Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall, Michigan.

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.