Bill Kessel

William (Bill) Wiechmann Kessel, 93, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1932, Bill brought warmth, generosity, and a quiet strength to everyone who knew him. He shared 66 devoted years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joyce E. Kessel, a partnership marked by deep love, mutual respect, and unwavering support.

Bill graduated from Saginaw Arthur Hill High School and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Albion College. He later received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, credentials that reflected his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Following his education, Bill served his country with honor in the United States Army for two years, stationed in Stockton, California, and continued his service in the Army Reserve for an additional two years.

Bill spent 29 years working for and ultimately leading Wiechmann’s department store, a family business that flourished under his guidance. During his tenure, Wiechmann’s grew from a single downtown Saginaw location into a respected regional presence, adding an anchor store at Saginaw’s Fashion Square Mall, an anchor store at Bay City’s Hampton Square Mall, and a location in downtown Owosso. After concluding his time at Wiechmann’s, Bill embarked on a successful second career with Roney & Co., where he continued to apply his business acumen, integrity, and steady leadership.

Deeply committed to the Saginaw community, Bill was a trusted and respected civic leader. He served as President of the Downtown Saginaw Association and President of the Downtown Saginaw Kiwanis Club, working to strengthen the vitality and spirit of the city he loved. He also served as a Director of the First Savings and Loan Association and later on the Great Lakes Bancorp board, helping guide important financial institutions in the region. In addition, Bill was a member of the Wickes Foundation Board, reflecting his belief in philanthropy and giving back.

Bill’s leadership extended into healthcare as well, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Saginaw General Hospital and Saginaw Medical Center. His thoughtful stewardship and dedication helped support quality medical care for countless families in the community. Over the years, Bill was also an active and long-time member of the Saginaw Club and the Saginaw Country Club, where he formed lasting friendships and enjoyed many shared experiences.

Above all his accomplishments, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He cherished time with Joyce and their family, when gathered for holidays, milestones, or simple everyday moments together. Summers at Saginaw Bay were especially meaningful to him. He loved sitting on the deck at Pt. Lookout, overlooking the water and greeting neighbors and passersby with a warm hello.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill was passionate about trout fishing, especially on the Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan—a place that brought him joy, peace, and lasting memories with family and friends. He was a member of the Mershon Chapter of Trout Unlimited in Michigan. He also took great delight in the simple, vigorous pleasure of swimming up and down the Saginaw Bay shoreline, cutting through the water with an easy, familiar rhythm. Those swims became a hallmark of summer days at Pt. Lookout and a reflection of his lifelong love of the outdoors and the bay he called home. In addition, Bill enjoyed playing tennis and golf at Pt. Lookout, where his competitive spirit was always matched by his good humor and camaraderie.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce; his sons, Jeffrey William Kessel and William Bradford Kessel; his daughter-in-law, Gayl Ann Kessel; his daughters, Beth Ann Kessel and Sarah Lynn Kessel; his granddaughters, Amanda Lynn (Jeremy), Jacqueline Kessel, and Julia Kessel; and three great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense pride and joy to him. He was predeceased by his parents, William T. Kessel and Elda W. Kessel, and by his sister, Suzanne L. (John) Rogers.

The family will hold a private ceremony to honor Bill’s life, with a celebration of life gathering to be held this coming summer at Bill and Joyce’s cherished summer residence at Pt. Lookout in Au Gres, Michigan. Family and friends will be invited to share stories, memories, and gratitude for a life well lived.

Those who wish to honor Bill’s memory are invited to make memorial contributions in his name to Baruch Ministries (Baruchsls.org) or Faith Hospice (faithhospicecare.org).

Bill leaves behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, kindness, and love—a legacy that will live on in his family, in the communities he served, and in the many lives he touched.