Mossner, William (Bill)

Frankenmuth, MI

William (Bill) Mossner, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 18, 2018.   Bill had Alzheimer's Disease which was complicated by a brief acute illness.  He was 84.

Bill was preceded in passing by his wife Audrey (Morgan) Mossner.  He leaves behind his three children, Paula Schreck (married to Paul Schreck), John Mossner (married to Lynn Mossner) and Jean Lakin (married to Eric Lakin).  He also was the proud grandpa of seven grandchildren; Adam Schreck, Jessica Mossner, Garrett Schreck, Madison Mossner, Torilyn Mossner, Vivian Lakin and Jonathan Mossner.  His children and grandchildren gave him a lot of joy and he loved attending their events and performances.   He was also loved by his many dog "grandpets" as all animals were instantly drawn to him.

Bill was born in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI in 1934 to Arno and Caroline Mossner.  When Bill was 2, the family moved back to Frankenmuth to live in the Goetzinger family home on Main Street.   He attended school in Frankenmuth through 10th grade and then graduated from Arthur Hill in Saginaw. After High School, Bill followed the influence of then City Manager, Herbert Keinath and went to Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI.   At Michigan Tech, Bill earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering (Class of '56) while an ROTC Air Force cadet.   He went on to earn an MBA from The University of Detroit Mercy.

While living and working in Detroit, MI, Bill met Audrey Morgan and they were married in 1964.  They moved back to Frankenmuth to start and raise their family.   In 1986 after significant renovation, Bill and Audrey moved back into the Goetzinger family home on Main Street.  Bill and Audrey loved to travel and took their kids on many epic road trips around the country.   Each trip always had a detailed itinerary and many audio tours.

Bill loved Frankenmuth! Over the years, he was an active member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, St. Lorenz School Board, Frankenmuth Lions Club, Frankenmuth Downtown Development Authority and the Gemuchlikeit Club.  The Saturday before his sudden illness he even got up to sing with his Gemuchlikeit Friends at the Farmer's Market in Frankenmuth.  He loved to help out at the "Sugar Bush" on Bill Zehnder's property, go to breakfast with the "Universal Guys" and was always up for any fun with Mel Hochtaner.

Everyone that knew Bill talked about what a great guy he was.   He was kind, generous and funny.   He loved to sit on the front porch and watch the tourists and cars go by.  He would always provide interesting commentary and loved to wave to the young children.   Earlier in his life, Bill was always seen outside gardening, mowing the lawn or giving directions to wayward tourists.   It wasn't uncommon for him to also provide tours of the backyard and even the house, if so moved.

His family and friends will remember his amazing stories of growing up in Frankenmuth as part of the "River Rats Gang", attempting to play the clarinet, the "Left-Handed Bills Club", working at the bowling alley setting up pins, of his years attending Michigan Tech before the Mackinaw bridge was built, of his time spent on Resolution Island in the Air Force, summers spent on Houghton Lake and time spent with his dad, brother and nephews at the Antlers Hunting Lodge in Newberry, MI.

Bill lived a full life of fun, love, and pride in his family and community.   We celebrate his life and the happiness he brought to all that encountered him. Wir Lieben Dich and Auf Wiedersehn.

Funeral services will take place on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 12:15 p.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. and 1:00 p.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.  Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate with burial between services in St. Lorenz Lutheran Cemetery.  Bill's family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Frankenmuth City Beautification.