Frank "Bill" Marek of Stanwood, age 65, passed away Friday, September 5, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born Christmas Day 1948 in Lakeview, the son of Frank R. and Alice (Crame) Marek. Bill graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1967. On October 14, 1967 he married Joyce Karnick, his eighth grade sweetheart at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids. Together they raised their family in the Big Rapids and Stanwood areas. Bill was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for a year and a half. After Bill was honorably discharged he attended Ferris State University where he earned his associates degree in Tool and Die. He was employed by Big Rapids Tube/Fluid Routing for over 30 years as a journeyman machinist before he retired. Bill and his wife enjoyed traveling and seeing the beauty of our country. Bill had many interests: photography, metal detecting, hobby farming, reading, reloading, and shooting. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, sharing the hobbies that he enjoyed and cooking breakfast for them. They always knew they could get a stick of gum out of Grandpa's shirt pocket for the price of a hug. He had a quiet strength and a deep love of God. Bill loved his family and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Joyce of Stanwood; three children: Frank "Will" (Donna) Marek of Grand Blanc, Casey Marek of Stanwood and Jennifer (Jon) Locke of Big Rapids; eight grandchildren: Felicity, Liam, Serena, MacKenna, Casey "CJ", Dylan, Lily and Scarlett; eight siblings: Max (Marla) Marek of Stanwood, Tom (Kathy) Marek of Big Rapids, Tim (Penny) Marek of Mecosta, Mike (Kelly) Marek of North Carolina, Darlene Marek of Paris, Sandy (Brian) Carey of Stanwood, Scott (Lora) Marek of Reed City and Trinidad Inosencio of Stanwood; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Ana Joy Locke; daughter-in-law, Anneke Marek; brother, Mark Marek; and nephew, Tommy Marek. Visitation for family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 8th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Funeral services will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at the Stanwood Free Methodist Church with Pastor Joe Martin officiating. Interment will be at Stanwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Bill's name may be made to the National Rifle Association or Hospice of Michigan.