William Sootsman Jr.
September 5, 1926 – January 22, 2021
A private graveside service will take place at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial gifts can be made to North Park Reformed Church, Second Impressions and/or Loaves and Fishes, c/o the funeral home. (Hey, Grammy We know you are celebrating Papa … and ALL of us home.)
Obituary
William (Bill) Sootsman Jr. crossed home plate and was welcomed with a loud cheer when he joined His Lord and Savior on January 22, 2021. Bill was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on September 5, 1926, to William and Cornelia (Boodt) Sootsman. A lifelong athlete—he played softball until age 90—Bill attended Comstock High School, playing baseball and football. After graduating in 1945, Bill joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in post-war China aboard the USS Los Angeles. Returning to Kalamazoo, Bill studied Radiologic Technology and in 1947 began a 40-year work and 30-year volunteer career at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He had the privilege of becoming a father to two children in his marriage to the late Ruth Allen. In 1969, Bill was united in marriage with Norma Jean (Van Dyke-Chambers) and embraced her two children as his own. Soon, they excitedly added another child and embarked on 44 years of adventure. Bill retired from Bronson in 1986 as manager of Radiology. He continued teaching and tutoring X-ray students, playing softball, volunteering, and serving his church and local Christian ministries. He was a very proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a faithful follower of Jesus. He is missed by many. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his dear wife of 44 years, Norma; his beloved daughter, Linda Sootsman; and sisters Dorothy (Carroll) Kindy, Ruth (John) VanderWeele, and Genevieve (Arvin) Geschwendt. Surviving are a sister, Henrietta (Gene) Rich of Zeeland; children Daniel Sootsman of Plainwell, Keith (Casey) Sootsman of Kalamazoo, Richard (Terri) Chambers of Portage, and Terri (Jack) Brogan of Kalamazoo; plus nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Bill and Norma have be there for me sent I knew them and a lot ways like second parents with share of our life together before and after meeting one and another
To the family of Bill, I am sorry for your loss, but happy to know that he is home again with his Norma. My prayers are with you all. Someday we will all be with them again. I can’t wait to give Norma and Bill a big hug ?
Bill was a very loyal, dedicated Bronson volunteer. He cared for the patients, visitors and employees so much that he would arrive two hours before his official shift. I’ll never forget how much he enjoyed the volunteer recognition dinner that had a baseball theme. He arrived in his uniform, carried a mitt and posed for pictures like a champ.
Bill is an inspiration to me. He was so dedicated to Bronson, he would volunteer extra days if the schedule was not full. Once a month he would come down to the office to fill in his time card. He always had some cute story to tell. I recall the baseball theme recognition event a little differently. I recall that he came dressed in a nice suit. When he came in to the room, saw all the baseball decorations and me dressed as a catcher, he went out to his car to get his baseball clothes he kept there. He changed his clothes. You are missed! Sue Haas, Volunteer Coordinator, Bronson Hospital
Bill was my instructor at Bronson in the late 60’s. His goal was to make all of his students a success in and out of the profession. All of his students would go on to pass the radiology exam and have the opportunity to a rewarding career. Bill probably never realized how many lives he was part of. My prayers go out to the family. Deanna Lingg
Dan and Keith- so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad was a great man who was generous and kind to everyone he met. Our sympathies to the entire family.