William Steven Homola

William Steven Homola, Jr. (Bill), 88, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully with his family around him on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Bill was born on February 5, 1935, in Whiting, IN to the late William and Helen (Sebetich) Homola.

Bill graduated from Decatur High School in 1952. He served in the United States Army from 1957-1959 as a Corporal and a Medical Specialist. He was stationed overseas in Heidelberg, Germany, and took time to tour many spots in Europe during his appointment. He was honorably discharged and received a Good Conduct Medal. After returning home, he met and married Jean (Partee) Homola on October 24, 1964, and they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in 2022.

Bill was a master carpenter who built the family home as well as much of the beautiful wood furniture and cabinetry inside. He worked as a contractor for many years before joining the maintenance department at Western Michigan University where he happily cheered on the WMU football and hockey teams.

In his younger days, Bill was an avid basketball player and skier, and enjoyed bowling and golfing in his later years. He was a devote Catholic who volunteered his time and resources to St. Monica Parish and to St. Thomas More Student Parish, and he was always happy to lend a helping hand to his family, friends, and neighbors.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Eugene Homola of Decatur. He is survived by his wife Jean; children Kim (Sean) McGrath of Austin, TX, David Homola of Kalamazoo, MI, and Sandra Homola of Chicago, IL; granddaughter Mei Li McGrath; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed but always held close in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation services will be at Langeland Family Funeral home on 9th Street in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, March 29th from 6:00-8:00 pm, with a rosary being said at 7:30 pm. The funeral mass will be at St. Thomas More Student Parish on Thursday, March 30th at 10:00 am. A luncheon will follow from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the church. He will be buried with Military Honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bill’s name to St. Thomas More Student Parish or the Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries. Those wishing to leave an online condolence or memory of Bill may do so at www.langelands.com