William LeRoy Hassinger

William L. Hassinger, age 98, of Edwardsburg, MI, died peacefully on June 29, 2025, in the comfort of his family’s presence.

He was born to John and Margaret (Ridenour) Hassinger on August 21, 1926, in South Bend, IN. Bill moved to Niles with his family in 1936 where he attended school and graduated in 1944. He was then drafted into the army and served in the Philippines and later Japan with the occupying forces until September 1946 when he was honorably discharged. Upon his return home, he resumed his position at Simplicity Pattern Company which he had started in his senior year of high school. It was at Simplicity Pattern where he met his future wife. On September 8, 1951, he married Eleanor Marie Jann at the First Presbyterian Church in Niles afterward raising four children and sharing over 72 years of marriage.

Bill’s top priorities in life were following his Christian faith and taking care of his family. Bill’s talent was working with young people. As a young man himself, he worked with the youth group at First Presbyterian Church in Niles. When his boys were at an age when they could enter sports, he coached them in both basketball and baseball. Later, when he became a bus driver for Niles schools, he was approached and asked to become the driver for the Niles sports teams. He did so for several years and loved it; making lasting friendships with both the coaches and the athletes.

Later in life and after retirement, Bill’s focus became his grandchildren. He always enjoyed attending their extra-curricular school events such as band concerts, choir concerts, school plays, and sporting events. In the summer he would spend time with them swimming and picnicking at Barron Lake. He also enjoyed taking them on long bike rides around Niles, stopping at every Dairy Queen along the way for a treat.

Bill will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his daughters, Teri Hassinger of Edwardsburg, Jann (Rick) Eichler of Edwardsburg, and sons Val (Marcia) Hassinger of Niles and Neil (Kathleen) Hassinger of Edwardsburg. Four grandchildren, Amber (Allen) Boshoven of Freeport, MI, Tiffany Eichler of Edwardsburg, Erika (Matt) Frizzell of South Bend, IN, and Aaron (Kathleen) Hassinger of Edwardsburg, six great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Lucy Jann of Niles.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor, sisters Ada (Harry) Hilbert, and Irma (John) Scamehorn and infant twin granddaughters.

Family and friends will gather Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles, MI. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church 68982 Lake Street (corner of Church Street), with viewing one hour prior. He will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens following the service.

The family would like to thank the staff of Caring Circle Hospice for the kind and compassionate care Bill received in his final days.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care of Southwest Michigan, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085, or another organization of their own choosing.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services in Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.