Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Arntz, Ivan "BIll" William June 4, 2026
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net July 2, 2026, 5:10 pm

Greenville Daily News - Saturday June 13, 2026

Excerpts from Greenville Obituary

IVAN WILLIAM "BILL" ARNTZ

Died June 4, 2026-age 99.
Born in Greenville, MI on St. Patrick's Day 1927 to Cleo & Lila (Jewel) Arntz.
Bill grew up on the farm West of Belding & graduated from Belding High School at 
age 17 during the War years.
At age 18 he enlisted in the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Rigel during WW II.
The Regel was a LST (Landing Ship Tank) repair ship tasked with helping the Navy 
ships stay fit for service.
Bill learned the tool & die trade as a machinist ate & witnessed the Battle of 
Leyte Gulf near the Philippines in the Pacific.
Bill met his wife to be, Betty Lou Sorensen before he entered the Navy. They 
were married after his discharge in November 1946.
Bill was employed by Greenville tool & Die, from an apprentice, journeyman, 
fireman & superintendent & Vice President in 1963. Retired in 1983 and remained 
active on the GTD Board of Directors.
He was a member of the Optimist Club, volunteering hours to the building & 
repair  of the Optimist Club Special Education Camp. was awarded the Outstanding  
Citizen  Award  in 1982.
Bill was the Heart of the Arntz Family &  such a great story teller.
In retirement he & Betty lived at Fort Meyers Florida where Bill was the 
community repair man. He was still playing golf at age 97.
He was a devoted husband to Betty for 73 years before she died. And to his three 
sons & daughters-in-law,Jeff & Jackie Arntz; Mike & Vickie Arntz, Brain & Keiko 
Arntz, his seven grandchildren;Chad (Dora) Arntz; Kelly (Ryan) Johnson; Andy 
(Molly Jo) Arntz, Tim (deceased): Molly (Ryan) Burnett; Kai Arntz & Toshi Arntz.
A great-grandfather to Alex Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Morgan Arntz, Kendali Arntz, 
Jax Arntz, Addison Burnett, Brandy Burnett, Alexandra Bussey & Jackson Bussey. 
His brother tom(Geri) Arntz, nephews, Craig(Jane) Johnson, Don (Jodi) McGahan & 
Larry (Mara) McGahan,
Pre-deceased from Bill are his sisters & brothers-in-law, Kate & Don McGahan and 
Fran & Don Johnson.
There will be no visitation or funeral service.
Donations in his honor may be given to Greenville Optimist Camp Wah-Wah-Tay-See 
Improvement Fund.Sent to Greenville Area Community Foundation, 225 N.Lafayette 
St.,Greenville, MI 48838 or visit their website at https://gactmi.org/.

Additional Comments:
WW II Navy Vet.

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