Obituary of William Joseph Brookins

Brookins, William Joseph

Saginaw, Michigan

William J. Brookins, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on December 4, 2024 at his home. He was 80 years old. Son of the late Joseph Floyd and Louise (Wellman) Brookins, Bill was born on December 21, 1943 in Saginaw, Michigan. He attended SS. Peter and Paul High School, served in the U. S. Navy from 1961-1967, and worked in the beer and wine industry for many years. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards with friends, going to the casino and being in his garden.

He married his high school sweet heart, Bonnie Beiler, on August 20, 1966, and she survives him. Their 58 years of marriage was blessed with three children: Jodi (Paul) Fisher, Michael (Amy) Brookins, and Julie (Eric) Prins. Some called him Joe, others called him Bill, but his favorite name was Pa and Papa given to him by the pride and joy of his life, his eight grandchildren: Audrey Brookins, Nicholas Brookins, Max Fisher and his fiancée Alysha Burns, Katie Fisher, Ben Fisher, Rachel Prins, Margaret Prins, and Thomas Prins. He is survived by two sisters: Mary (Larry) Riffel and Dorothy Batcke; two sisters-in-law: Diane (Clyde) Fischer and Patty (Dale) Latty; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph Floyd and Louise Brookins; his in-laws: Martin and Margaret Beiler; a brother-in-law, Fred Batcke; niece, Cori Batcke; and nephew, Kevin Batcke.

The family would like to thank MyMichigan Midland for their excellent and compassionate care, especially nurse, Derrick (5^th floor), nurse, Tony (3rd floor), nurses, Delaney and Maddy (3rd floor), and pulmonary PA Erik.

SERVICE: A Funeral Liturgy for Bill will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N River Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609.  Rev. Fr. Peter Gaspeny will officiate.  Rite of committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery with Military Honors conducted under the auspices of the United States Navy.

VISTATION: Friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Monday, December 9, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass.    

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any donations be given to Bill’s favorite charity, 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