Bill Troxel

Gaylord William “Bill” Troxel III, age 64, of Trufant, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon, November 19, 2025, at Corewell Health–United Memorial Hospital in Greenville, Michigan. He was born on January 30, 1961, in Ionia, the son of Gaylord William Troxel Jr. and Jacqueline Joan (Satterlee) Troxel.

Bill attended Belding High School and spent his life working as a talented and self-employed carpenter, skilled in both residential and commercial work. Although he was gifted in his trade, Bill equally cherished his free time. He hunted and fished whenever he could, and in his younger years he loved playing and coaching men’s softball. Known for giving fun nicknames, he had a special way of making others feel seen and appreciated.

When the weather was right, Bill enjoyed a leisurely motorcycle ride, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends.

He will be remembered as a free spirit with cut-off sleeves, a hat on his head, and a sharp sense of humor. He was a great cook and loved cooking and baking for his family and friends, and his huge heart. His smart remarks, great personality, and love of laughter made him fun to be with, and he will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. Bill was a member of the White Cloud Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4170 and the PKG Bike Riders Association.

Bill leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Jacqueline J. Brooks of New Port Richey, Florida; his children, Heather (Mike) Lott of Lowell, Michigan; William (Kari) Smith of Livonia, Michigan; AJ (Felicia) Estep of Cedar Springs; and Nick (Mercedes) Rendall of Ionia; grandchildren Lily, Joseph, Henry, Lydia, Evelyn, Cecilia, Harper and Jermiah; his siblings Connie (David) Kern of New Port Richey, Florida; Linda (Kevin) Bess of Battle Creek, Michigan; Bryon (Jo) Brooks of Edmore, Michigan; brother-in-law Jerry Sparks of Alpena, Michigan; and sister-in-law Lori Brooks of Shepherd, Michigan; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gaylord Troxel Jr.; stepfather, Arthur Brooks; Grandparents, Gayle and Viola Troxel, Floyd Satterlee, and John and Ilene Gay; and siblings Karen Sparks and Lonnie Brooks.

Bill’s family invites you to join them for his Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 27, 2025, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Greenville Area Community Center – Lower Level, 900 E. Kent Road, Greenville, Michigan

For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge St., Belding, at (616) 794-1300 or visit verdunfh.com, who is serving the family.