William John Kurdelmeyer

William J. “Bill” Kurdelmeyer Jr., 89, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 13, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12pm on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac with Pastor Derrick Givens officiating. Friends may visit with the family on April 19, 2018, from 11am until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Bill was born on March 24, 1929, to William & Margaret (Adams) Kurdelmeyer Sr. in Farmersburg, Iowa. He graduated from Farmersburg High School, before he enlisted in the Navy. While in the Navy, he was a Golden Gloves boxer and baseball pitcher and continued playing in the baseball city league after coming back to Dowagiac. After his time in the service, he attended the University of Iowa where he earned his degree as a Medical Laboratory Technician. On May 1, 1976, he married Sharon Carman at the First United Methodist Church in Dowagiac. Together, they operated a beef cattle farm. Bill was a man of many trades including, working as a Medical Lab and X-ray Technician at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital, the County Coroner & Health Officer and owned/operated Kurdelmeyer Insurance. He also worked for Clark Equipment and Franklins Scrap Metal until his retirement. Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, Elks Club and Moose Lodge. Bill was known for his witty sense of humor and enjoyed farming cattle, riding horses, and playing baseball. He also was an avid golfer and member of the original Thunderbirds league. Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Sue (Jay) Molter of Madison, WI, John (Rhonda) Kurdelmeyer of Memphis, TN, Jane (George) Harrison of Burlington, Ontario, CA and James Kurdelmeyer of Dowagiac; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Betty) Kurdelmeyer of Monona, IA and Ivanell Althoff of Lansing, IA; and special longtime friend Pat Abiney. Bill is preceded in death by his parents William & Margaret Kurdelmeyer Sr.; grandson Josh Molter; and brother-in-law Clet Althoff.