William B. "Bill" Killian
Remember

William B. "Bill" Killian

  • December 22, 1942 - December 20, 2011
  • Benton Harbor, Michigan
Share This Obituary

Memories & Candles

“January 29, 2012 Dear Joe, Carol, Mary Kay and Family, It is such sad news to learn that Bill passed away. I remember all the summers we visited...Read More » ”
1 of 18 | Posted by: Joyce Howe Bozich - FL - Friend

“I was so saddened to hear the news of Bill's passing. I remember how kind,generous and good fun he was when Mary Kay and I were at Ferris. He...Read More » ”
2 of 18 | Posted by: Sandee Rosenberg Brandl - TX

“As dear friends of Carol, we send our deepest sympathy to you and all the family for your loss of Bill.. We wish you comfort at this sad time. ...Read More » ”
3 of 18 | Posted by: Betty-Lou Harmon and Nancy Evans - CA

“We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. We have fond memories of Cub Scouts days with our sons. Bulldog Club sports meetings at St. Dominic's...Read More » ”
4 of 18 | Posted by: Tim Kennedy - Mayfield Village, OH

“Mary Kay and Family I was just informed of your brothers passing. I am so sorry. Please know my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. ”
5 of 18 | Posted by: Pat Stephen - St. Joseph, MI

“Though an Olympic gold medal swimmer passed through a middle school where I taught for seventeen years, I did not know him. I knew Bill, an avid...Read More » ”
6 of 18 | Posted by: Dan Schlender - Mason, TX

“I always remember our childhood days of fun at the beach, our pond, and other outings. I will miss you, Bill. Friend, always Carl "Buzzy"...Read More » ”
7 of 18 | Posted by: Carl Anton Anderson - Dorr, MI

“When Bill came into work at Whirlpool, the room would "come alive"!! Even when he was grumbling about something, he would make me laugh!! No one...Read More » ”
8 of 18 | Posted by: Lisa Pelate - benton harbor, MI

“Bill and I were the biggest Michigan fans in Northeast Ohio. During that terrible week at the end of each season, we could be trusted to defend the...Read More » ”
9 of 18 | Posted by: Stephen Qua - Cleveland, OH

“My Deepest Sympathies and Prayers to Bills Family.......P ”
10 of 18 | Posted by: Craig Kettelhut - Naples , FL

“I send my condolences to the entire Bill Killian family. I was the first swimming coach at SJHS when they built the "new" St. Joseph High School in...Read More » ”
11 of 18 | Posted by: Bill Powell - Bowling Green, KY

“I was saddened, Carol, to learn of Bill's sudden and unexpected death. My deepest sympathies are with you at this time of loss. How glad I am that...Read More » ”
12 of 18 | Posted by: Bruce Nagle - Janesville, WI

“To all the family of Bill Killian My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I'm sure you...Read More » ”
13 of 18 | Posted by: Carol (Omweg) Adent - Cumming, GA

“Mary Kay, I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. ”
14 of 18 | Posted by: Patricia Lester - Friend

“I'm so glad that we had our class reunion in September. Because of that, I got to spend some great time with Bill and his great spirit. He was just...Read More » ”
15 of 18 | Posted by: Gail Kenworthy - St. Joseph, MI

“I had the pleasure of working with Bill at Whirlpool Corporation for 5 years. He was a pleasure to talk to and kid with. He will be missed very...Read More » ”
16 of 18 | Posted by: Joy Greene - Friend

“The Three Oaks Branch of Chemical Bank would like to give their deepest sympathies to Bill's family. ”
17 of 18 | Posted by: Chemical Bank Three Oaks Branch

“Jo and Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my prayers. Sue Davis Culby ”
18 of 18 | Posted by: Suzanne Davis Culby - MI


William B. "Bill" Killian, 68, of Benton Harbor, passed away December 20, 2011 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center following a massive heart attack.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the summer of 2012. Arrangements are being entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel of St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to the Historical Society of Michigan, 5815 Executive Drive, Lansing, MI 48911. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.

Bill was born on December 22, 1942 to Attorney Joseph E. and Alice (Merson) Killian. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1961 and Ferris State University in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in Marketing. Bill was recently employed at Chemical Bank and Aerotek. In 1969 he married Anne Marie Marek (Zivanchev) of Cleveland, Ohio. Bill was an avid sports fan. His favorite team was the University of Michigan Wolverines. He also enjoyed reading about the histories of the Civil War and World War II. Bill will always be remembered by his family and friends for his love of laughter and good cheer.

He is survived by his two children, Matthew Killian of Oregon and Mahle Killian of Arizona; twin sister Carol Killian of California; sister Mary Kay Killian of St. Joseph; and brother Joseph Killian of St. Joseph.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.