William "Bill" Kalbfleisch

William J.R. “Bill” Kalbfleisch, 81 of Petoskey, passed away at Hiland Cottage in Petoskey on Sunday, January 26, 2020.

Born in Petoskey, Bill was the son of Ralph C. and Eva Mae (Zink) Kalbfleisch.  He served in the U.S Army from 1961-1964.  Following a long career as a truck driver traveling weekly from Chicago to the east coast, Bill retired and returned home to Petoskey.

Bill enjoyed ball room dancing and following area high school sports.  He was also an avid gardener and hunter.  He especially enjoyed hunting with his dad, brothers and nephews.  Bill loved his family and not having children himself, he was close to his nieces and nephews and enjoyed spending time with them at every opportunity.  They will always remember the rides he would give them in “Big Red”, his semi tractor.

Bill is survived by brothers and sisters, Beverly Zeller of Muskegon, Elvera Kalbfleisch of Grawn, Orval (Marion) Kalbfleisch of Petoskey, Sally (Dorr) Carpenter of Petoskey, Roger Kalbfleisch of St. Petersburg, FL, and Allen Kalbfleisch of Petoskey; a sister-in-law, Hattie Kalbfleisch of Muskegon; 27 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Charlotte Thomten, June Kalbfleisch, Leonard Kalbfleisch, Harold Kalbfleisch, Vilan Kalbfleisch; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim Zeller, Norman Schaub, Lucille Kalbfleisch, and Leona Kalbfleisch.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held this summer.  Those who wish are asked to make memorial contributions in Bill’s memory to Hiland Cottage, 1 Hiland Drive, Petoskey, MI  49770.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com