Obituary of William Michael Mentel
William Michael Mentel was born at the Monroe Hospital in Monroe, Michigan on March 6, 1936. He was one of two children born from the union of Michael Benjamin Mentel and Anna (Saum) Mentel. He completed high school at Monroe Catholic Central, graduating with the Class of 1955.
Bill married the former Floreine Margaret Doederlein on February 2, 1957, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Monroe. He retired after 33 years of service from Chrysler as a boiler operator. Prior to his employment at Chrysler, he enjoyed spending time as a dynamite truck driver with Austin Powder Company and loved telling stories of his adventures with this job.
Bill was a patient man who could be found enjoying a cup of coffee and a good book while waiting for his wife, Floreine while she participated in meetings and events. He was her biggest supporter and chauffeur. He was a friend to many and took pride in turning strangers into friends even at the Medilodge.
He was a fixture throughout the Monroe Community and belonged to a great number of organizations. Perhaps one of his favorites was the Southeast Michigan Antique Engine and Tractor Association serving as a board member and showing off his John Deere H and Hit and Miss Engines. He provided hayrides for young people at the ISD each year and displayed his tractor with pride. He could be found at the 1812 National Battlefield and participating in lantern tours at the trading post in his reenactment attire and enjoyed being a part of the Historical Society. He loved attending the annual Muskrat Dinners and various fundraisers in the community.
As a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Bill served as an Usher, on the Board of Education, as a Trustee, Pioneer Leader, Sunday School Superintendent and used his knowledge and skills to fix the boiler numerous times over the years.
He was a 4H Leader for 50 years serving as a chaperone for the bike trip, managing the dining hall, hauling upholstery material, and volunteering whenever help was needed. Each year he looked forward to the county fair, a perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends and give back to the community by helping with 3 different buildings.
Bill enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, passing on his handyman skills, attending their events and talking about their latest accomplishments.
William Michael Mentel, age 87 of Okemos formerly of Monroe passed away surrounded by his family and under hospice care at Medilodge of Okemos at 1:27pm on Friday; January 5, 2024. His passing was preceded by his parents; a sister: Loretta Russeau; and his beloved wife: Floreine Mentel in February of 2023.
To cherish his memory, he leaves two children: Jeffrey (Tamara) Mentel and Jennifer (Larry) Weichel; and six grandchildren: Andrew (Lindsey) Weichel, Jack Weichel, and Christopher, Daniel, Rhianna, and Miranda Mentel.
He will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday; January 20, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church; 186 Cole Road, Monroe, Michigan 48162. A Funeral Service Celebrating His Life will take place at 11:00am also at the church with Pastor Gregory Sitzman officiating; luncheon to follow. His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Monroe County 4-H or Zion Lutheran Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.