William T. "Bill" Laning

William T. “Bill” Laning, age 94, of Grand Haven passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2018.  He was born on September 22, 1923 in Grand Haven to Jake and Nellie (Stahl) Laning. Bill married Luella Bishop in 1948 and she preceded him in death in 1978.  He then married Jean Vanderkolk in 1980 and she passed away in 2007.

Bill was a long time member of First Reformed Church.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II serving overseas as a Rifleman in France. Upon his discharge from the Army in 1946 he received the Purple Heart Award. He was a past member of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28.

Bill spent his career working for Story & Clark Piano Factory stringing pianos, retiring after 38 ½ years’ service. He was an avid bowler, and enjoyed spending time outside, walking and biking into his 90’s. He also had a love for traveling. Bill especially enjoyed visiting with people and always had a great joke to tell, with his big smile and great sense of humor.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Robert) Vollmer of Grand Haven; son, Bill (Marie) Laning of Grand Haven; 4 grandchildren, Corey Vollmer, Michael Vollmer, Christina (Armando) Alamillo, Andrea (Eric) Raha and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Irene Selby; sister-in-law, Henrietta Laning and long-time special friend, Dee Shumsky. Bill was preceded in death by his 3 sisters, Margaret Riemersema, Jeannette Sickman, Dorothy Vriesman; and 3 brothers, Clarence, George & Edward Laning.

The Funeral Service will be Monday, March 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM from First Reformed Church with Rev. John Kenny and Rev. John Koedyker officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, March 18, from 3:00-6:00 PM at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Full Military Rites will be performed by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery.

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