| CALL, William J. of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2015 at Saginaw Senior Care and Rehab Center. He was 92 years old. William John Call was born on September 16, 1922 in Upper Jay, New York to Frank B. and Anna (Downs) Call. He married the love of his life, Eleanor T. Haight on May 16, 1942; she preceded him in death on October 24, 1980.
Bill graduated from St. Andrew’s High School with the Class of 1941. He then served his country as a United States Army Paratrooper in World War II, 1942. He was a member of the 508 Parachute Infantry of the 82nd Airborne Division. He made two combat jumps in Normandy and Holland; he fought in the Battle of Bulge and was seriously wounded on January 7, 1944. He would then receive a Battlefield Commission in Normandy, 2nd Lieutenant; as a 2nd Lt, Bill would become a POW. Later he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in Holland. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals. Further, he was in General Eisenhower’s Honor Guard. Bill was honorably discharged in 1945.
His life has been written about numerous times; the last and most detail published account is titled, “Put Us Down in Hell” by Phil Nordyke.
He was employed by the RP Lewis Company for 5 years, he was co-owner of Reliable Printing Company, Saginaw MI, after the sale of the company, he worked for Bastian Brothers Printers, Freeland as a salesman and he retired in 1990.
He was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church for many years and currently a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church – St. Stephen’s Site. He was past president of the Saginaw Downtown Lions Club and also past president of Big Brother’s of Saginaw. He was a long standing member of the Saginaw YMCA, a member of the DAV, and the VFW in Saginaw. In his spare time, he was an avid reader; further, he enjoyed having fun, completing word find puzzles, telling jokes, and playing cards. |
Surviving him are five sons and three daughters: William Call Jr. (Sue), Biloxi MS, Connie (Dr. William) Nigl, Saginaw, Dr. Michael Call (Ann), Freeland, Timothy Call (David Weer), Tacoma WA, Francis (Joan) Call, Kokomo IN, Dr. Anne Farrell (Ken), Flowermound TX, Theresa (Oh Bob) Bringer, Saginaw, James (Pattie) Call, San Diego CA; a very special daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Call, Saginaw; a life-long friend, Sister Barb Sullivan, Detroit. Also surviving him are 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Nell Jean Call and Vicki Call; one sister, Barbara “Jones” (Howard) Reinke; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 38 years, Eleanor; five brothers: Bernard Call, Francis Call, Vincent Call, James Call, and Thomas Call; and one sister, Doris (Call) Kirchner. He was also preceded by Ann Shawl, his loving companion and friend.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Palliative Care team from Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center, Saginaw, Jeffrey Nigl, M.D. from St. John’s Hospital in Detroit for all of his hard work and support, the Saginaw Care & Rehab Center, and Covenant HealthCare – Cooper, Saginaw.
FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2015 at St. Dominic Catholic Church – St. Stephen site, 1310 Malzahn Street, 48602. Rev. Fr. Andy LaFramboise will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. Military Honors will take place under the auspices of the VFW Post 1859 and the United States Army.
VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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