Obituary of William E. Hersem

William Elbert Hersem, 73, of Saginaw passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Cartwright Hospice Residence, Saginaw, Michigan surrounded by family and loved ones after a valiant battle with cancer. Born Wednesday, September 10, 1941, in Saginaw, Michigan, he was the loving husband of Charlene Kaye (McMahan) Hersem for the last 51 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Lenore Hersem; father- and mother-in-law, Chester and Ruby McMahan; grandson, Josiah David Hersem; and sister-in-law, Rose Marie Katter. He is survived by his wife; three children: Steven, Lori and Kelli; two sons-in-law: Steven and Robert; five grandchildren: Kyle, Brenden, Dana, Logan, Shelby, and Aidan; sister, Lynne; brother, Tom; his eminent friends: Ron Malace and Ron Cowan; and a close but extensive loving extended family to cherish his memory. William took his first communion in the Lutheran church and was a spiritual man throughout his life. He was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School and attended Central Michigan University where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He began his career as a high school history teacher and later retired from Ford Motor Credit Company as an executive branch manager. After retirement, he became an entrepreneur owning several different Saginaw area retail businesses to include the 7-11 franchise at Court and Woodbridge Streets, Saginaw, Michigan and Pierce and Bay Roads, Kochville, Michigan. He also served his community as a member of the Better Business Bureau, a Saginaw Township volunteer firefighter, a Pasco County Florida park ranger and later as a school bus driver. William treasured his role as a father and grandfather, loved his family, adored his dog Sassy and appreciated the great outdoors. He conducted his life, and confronted death, with dignity and courage. He touched the lives of all those who knew him with his warmth, humor and kindness. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2565 N. Miller Rd., Saginaw. Rev. Robert Allmann will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. William will lie in state at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Cartwright Hospice Residence or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.