William Julius (Bill) Morse

William Julius (Bill) Morse, a longtime resident of Lake Ann, and current resident of Traverse City passed away on March 28, 2024 at the Pavilions in Traverse City at the age of 101. He was born on September 1, 1922 on the family farm near Lake Ann. He graduated from Honor High school in 1941.

He is a WWII Army Air Corps veteran, enlisting in April 1942 and serving with 8th Air Corps, 457 Bomb Group in Glaton, England. He was a crew chief on B-17 Bombers until his discharge in 1945. He returned to Lake Ann and was married to Erika (Salewsky) Morse in October 1964. He worked at Cone Drive Gear for 32 years, and was an active member of UAW local21. Thoughheneverhadchildren of his own, Uncle Billy was surrounded by many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his relatives, friends and his neighbors including Sue Braden, Judy Albaugh and Lee Steinorth.

Bill is known for his love of music and volunteer work, playing piano and banjo for many years at the Traverse City State Hospital, Grand Traverse Pavilions, Traverse City Senior Center, and numerous other nursing homes in the Grand Traverse area. He played with various bands including Agnes and the Polka Dots, Frank Rusch Trio, Bobby and the Polka Pals, Rodney Beyers, Ed Flees, Gordon Rosinki, Cliff Denny, Jean and Russ Rosa, and many others at numerous locations all over Northern Michigan.

Bill and Erika enjoying traveling and were able to attend several reunions with his Air Corps squadron members at various locations around the country.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Erika in 2013, parents Bill and Esther Morse, sisters Jean Rosa and Helen White, and his brother James Arner. He is survived by his younger brother Jim Morse Sr. of Lake Ann and countless members of the Morse, White and Rosa families.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 15th, 2024 at 11 AM at Green Briar Cemetery in Lake Ann. A celebratory luncheon will follow at the Lake Ann United Methodist Community Center at 19900 First Street in Lake Ann. All friends and family of Bill are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Cherryland Humane Society or Almira Historical Society. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www. reynolds-jonkhoff.com.