William J. Saller

William J. Saller, 90, of Mt. Pleasant died peacefully Saturday, March 18, 2006 at Grand Traverse Pavilion. Bill was born May 26, 1915 in Petoskey, the 11th of 13 children to Francis and Mary (Helmsberger) Saller. He married Marguerite McBride on April 27, 1935 in Petoskey. Bill and Marguerite moved to Mt. Pleasant in 1940. He was self-employed working in various areas including a service station and mechanic, taxi service, and equipment rental. At age 46, an accident changed his life. Bill would not let this challenge limit him, but embraced it and set an example for those who knew him. As a local businessman, he was a longtime supporter of the community in many ways including his service to the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees, the Lions Club and as a volunteer fireman. Family was especially important to him. With his witty sense of humor Bill was always eager to tell a story or challenge you with a brain-teaser activity. Bill is survived by his daughter, Barbara Goodell of Traverse City; two daughters-in-law, Bev (Blackman) Saller of Marysville and Linda (Caszatt) Saller of Palos Verdes, CA; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a sister, Margaret Amaker of Petoskey; and a brother, Leo Saller of Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marguerite (March 1991); two sons, Ron (Dec. 1998) and Bruce (Oct. 2005); his son-in-law, David Goodell (June 2005); and 10 brothers and sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 24, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Robert Byrne presiding. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Friends may call at Lux Funeral Home on Thursday from 7-9 p.m. with a vigil service beginning at 8:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Commission on Aging or the charity of the donors choice. Envelopes are available at Lux Funeral Home.