William “Bill” L. Byl

Former Lt. Colonel William “Bill” Byl, age 83, long-time resident of Grand Haven, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 18, 1937 in Grand Haven, MI to the late Leonard W. and Lillian I. (Schroeder) Byl. He married Sandra Kay Johnson on February 16, 1958 and she preceded him in death on August 15, 2010 after 52 years of marriage. He then married Diane Stine on November, 23, 2013 in Grand Rapids, MI.

Bill graduated from Grand Haven High School where he played on the GHHS basketball, football, and tennis teams. He went on to proudly serve his country in the Army National Guard from 1963 to 1997. Before his time in the service, Bill worked at North Shore Marina and Peel Brothers Trucking.

He was a former member of First Presbyterian Church and the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Bill enjoyed being outdoors, boating, golfing and downhill and water skiing. He loved listening to music and dancing. Bill had impressive wood-working skills and worked on several home-building projects over the years. He especially enjoyed traveling to Marco Island in Florida and going up north to Ruby Creek on the Pere Marquette River, where he enjoyed hunting and being on the water.

Bill is lovingly remembered and missed by his wife, Diane Stine-Byl; three daughters: Elizabeth (John) Harbeck of Grand Haven, Lisa (Scott) Wagasky also of Grand Haven, and Michelle (John) Benson of Minneapolis, MN; seven grandchildren: D.J. (Kari) Miller, Hillary Adams, Griffin & Carley Wagasky, Jack, Will, and Lily Benson; one great-granddaughter, Penelope June Miller; brothers-in-law, Stanley Johnson and Jerry Welcome; sister-in-law, Lu Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Sandy Byl; their son, Ronald Byl in 1974; sister, Betty Vantol; brother-in-law, William Johnson; and sister-in-law, Sally Johnson.

The Graveside Service for Bill will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14, 2021 at Lake Forest Cemetery, with Chaplain Duane Smith officiating. Full Military Rites to be performed by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 13th at the funeral home. Masks and Social Distancing will be required at all services. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, Ruby Creek Disabled Veterans Hunt, or the Alzheimer's Association-Michigan Great Lakes Chapter.

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