William I. Van Skiver

William Ira “Bill” Van Skiver, age 88, passed away on October 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and humor.

 Bill was born on April 4, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Ruth and Lloyd Van Skiver. He earned his degree in Education from Aquinas College and met his future wife, Laura Ann Harris, while teaching at North Park Elementary. Bill married Laura in 1964, and together they raised three children, Bill, Gilda, and Allison and shared 61 wonderful years of marriage.

 After 34 years of teaching in the Grand Rapids Public School system, Bill was fortunate to enjoy an early retirement. This allowed him to spend cherished time caring for his grandchildren.

One of Bill’s greatest joys was music. He was a devoted member of Second Church. He began singing in the church choir at age 11 and continued throughout his lifetime. He also sang for hundreds of weddings and many funerals as well.

Some of his fondest times were spent at the family cottage, Camelot, or at the yearly Kentucky Derby parties. His “mixology” degree was earned while perfecting the mint julep!

He was a dedicated supporter of all of his children and grandchildren, in music, theater, sports - whatever they did. “Papa” was always the first to tell them how proud he was of them.

Bill is survived by his wife Laura, his son, Bill (Mary) Van Skiver and daughter Gilda (Eric) Crawford; six grandchildren—Carson (Jennifer) Van Skiver, Cole and Emma Sorenson, Davis (Mary Bailey) Van Skiver, Cassidy and Dylan Van Skiver; as well as former son-in-law Kirk Sorenson. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Allison Van Skiver, his parents Ruth and Lloyd Van Skiver, his brother James (Madelyn) Van Skiver and sister Virginia (Phil) Scholl.

 A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Second Church (525 Cheshire Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505). Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Friends and family are invited to share coffee and cake with the family following the service. If desired, donations can be made to Second Church.

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