William "Wild Bill" Hileski

All who knew Bill Hileski would agree that he put the spice into life. He was known as “Wild Bill” because he was always striving to be the life of the party wherever he was. Bill was a devoted family man who believed in working hard to support his wife and children, and it was with his family by his side that he was truly happy. Life was not without times of trial for Bill, yet he faced whatever came his way with a steadfast courage and an unending zest for life that is an inspiration to all who knew him. Although it will never be the same without Bill here, the memories he leaves behind will never be forgotten.

It was within the colorful decade of the 1920s that John and Elizabeth (Briggs) Hileski were delighted to announce the birth of the youngest of their thirteen children on October 13, 1926. They named him William, and he was born in Allegan, Michigan. These were times of great transformation within our nation when innovation was taking us places we had never been. Broadway was at its all time peak, the world of flight soared to new heights, and legends Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb breathed new life into baseball all across our great land. Bill, as he was most often known, experienced a typical upbringing for the youth of his generation. He was a student at local schools including Allegan High School where he played football and ran track. During his senior year Bill also worked as a salesman at McGowan in Allegan.

After graduating from high school in 1946, Bill was ready to embark on the next exciting phase in his life’s journey. It was also as a young man that he began to admire a young girl named Shirley. Bill drove past her house repeatedly, but he never could muster up enough courage to ask her out as she had five very overprotective brothers. It was Shirley who finally asked Bill for a date on a dare. That date led to another, and after dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Bill and Shirley were married on June 9, 1951, in St. Margaret’s Church in Otsego. A memorable reception was held at the Red Brick in Plainwell.

Ready to settle into their new roles of husband and wife, Bill and Shirley moved in with Shirley's mother. In fact, this was the house that they both called home throughout their entire lives. Together they were blessed with the births of nine children: Theresa, Joe, Ann, Mary, Bill Jr., Arnold, Sheila, Jackie, and Jim. To support his family, Bill always was a salesman throughout his entire career. He even owned and operated his own men’s clothing store, Bill’s Men’s Shop, (formerly B&J Men's Shop) in Otsego. Bill was a natural salesman who found his work to be both rewarding and fulfilling.

There were so many things that Bill loved throughout his life. He was a member of different organizations in his community including the Elks and Knights of Columbus, and he was also a lifetime member of St. Margaret’s Church. Bill loved playing cards and enjoyed heading out to Kalamazoo Speedway and Martin Dragway to watch racing. He liked a wide variety of music and never really met a food item that he didn’t like. When it came to his favorite foods, he loved hamburgers and never could turn down a piece of pie. As much as he enjoyed these things, Bill considered cheering his children and grandchildren on in whatever they were doing to be his favorite hobby.

An outgoing, friendly, people person, William Hileski was an extraordinary man in every way. Everyone who ever met him has a “Wild Bill” story, and there was never a dull moment when he was around. Bill made the most of the days he was given, sharing so many of his years with the love of his life by his side. A dear man to many, he will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Bill Hileski of Plainwell died on June 4, 2013, at Kairos Dwelling. Bill’s family includes his children: Theresa (Richard) Brooks, Joe Hileski, Ann (Lyle) Webster, Mary (Dan) Crouch, Bill Hileski Jr., Arnold (Lori) Hileski, Sheila (Rich) Weyrick, Jackie (Rob) Johnson, Jim Hileski; 23 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; 12 siblings; and grandson, Bryon. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Thursday, June 6th from 4:00-7:00 with a rosary at 6:30 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 7th at 10:00 at St. Margaret Catholic Church; 766 Farmers St., Otsego. Please visit Bill’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to Karios Dwelling.