Willis Allen
July 23, 1945 - May 17, 2018
Obituary
Allen, Willis D. "Bill" Saginaw, Michigan Passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Mid Michigan Medical Center - Midland. He was 72 years old. Bill Allen was born on July 23, 1945 in Saginaw, to the late Claude and Bessie (Fischer) Allen. Bill worked at Eaton Manufacturing as a machinist for 37 years, retiring in 2002. He was a sports enthusiast, outstanding coach and mentor to many youth while he coached baseball at Eisenhower, Heritage and Arthur Hill High Schools and North Little League, for 17 years. When not coaching he refereed high school basketball for the State of Michigan for 27 years. Bill's love for competition did not stop at basketball and baseball. He personally enjoyed playing championship racquetball for over 30 years and senior softball in Arizona for 17 years. Bill loved to travel with his wife, Kathy, spending summers in Michigan and wintering in Mesa, Arizona. He was a faithful member of St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church and the YMCA. Bill's zest for life, kindness, and passion for his family will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Kathy Allen; daughter, Kelly (Jerry) Monnin; son-in-law, Dr. Randy Sosolik; five grandchildren (who were the sparkle in his eye): Emily and Madison Sosolik, Delaney, Heidy and Vince Monnin; sister, Ellie Near; and niece, Wendy Near. Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Tammy Allen Sosolik; sister, Ruth Snedeker; and niece, Cathy Near. SERVICE: A memorial service for Bill will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Pastoral Associate, Sharon Wahl will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the service to share stories as Bill always did, as he has never met a stranger. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Novel Catholic Central High School-Athletic Department, Good Neighbor Mission or the Salvation Army. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com
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Memories
EN
Ellie Near
Other •
My brother Bill has taken a piece of my heart with him. Every time I see candy on the shelf that he liked I will think of him. I can't remember a time in all of his 72 years that we ever argued or had a fight we always got along as siblings. I love you Bill known forever
JM
Janice McKay
Other •
Bill was a legend at Viewpoint and will be missed for all the good things he did for the ball association. Take care Kathy
Barry and Janice McKay.
MK
Mac and Ruth Kufeldt
Other •
So sorry to hear about Bill's passing, he shall surely be missed around the ballpark at viewpoint.,,I had the pleasure of getting to know Bill as a teammate and as an all a round good guy.....it is our prayer that memories will help to sustain you Kathy and your family in this difficult time.....I was hoping for a few more memories but I know that Bill has answered a greater call....much love and prayers .....Mac and Ruth
KM
Kelly Monnin
Other •
I always liked to call him "Pops". He truly loved his family and loved to meet new people. He loved to do things with his grandkids and my 3 have found comfort in talking about the great things they did with him. He is greatly missed.
PS
Paul Seman
Other •
Rest in peace, "Blue" (that's what we called him from his umpire days)
TM
Tom Mudd
Other •
It was a quite a blow to encounter Bill's obituary in the Saginaw News this morning. Every Spring for the past seven or eight years we paddleball players could always count on Bill joining us for paddleball games until Fall took him away to the Southwest. It was a real joy to play with Bill. He was such a fierce competitor with wonderful sportsmanship. Personally, he had such a pleasant nature, reaching out in friendliness to all. I watched Bill in his earliest years when he was among the top racquetball players. One thing he did to gain a little advantage was to toss the ball against the wall several times before dropping the ball for his serve. That was somewhat distracting to his opponent and also gave Bill time to think about what kind of serve he would make. Smart move, Bill! He will REALLY be missed. And by the way, I'm going to adopt that "ball against the wall" strategy for my game.
Tom Mudd
Saginaw Paddleball Association