"We know how important Bill and Jayne were to Ric when he was growing up. They were a great comfort and showed how important family is in the greater scheme of things. This family will continue to remember that going forward Larry and Sandy Austin"
In loving memory of
William John Balgooyen
January 30, 1931 - September 29, 2021
Balgooyen, Mr.
William J.
Muskegon, MI
Mr. William John Balgooyen Jr., age 90, died Wednesday, September 29, 2021. He was born on January 30, 1931 to William and Edna (Fors) Balgooyen in Muskegon, MI. Bill grew up in a house on Baker Street in Muskegon Heights with younger sister Sue and brother Ric. A sharp youngster, Bill started school early and graduated at age 17 from MHHS in 1948. He entered the University of Michigan that fall and enjoyed his years in Ann Arbor immensely and remained an avid UM fan all his life.
During his time at UM, Bill's old friend asked him to double-date with his girlfriend Perky Carter from North Muskegon. Perky's best friend was Jayne Petersen and the date must have been a success. Bill and Jayne were married in 1952 and spent their honeymoon in Detroit, watching a weekend series between the Tigers and Yankees. The couple lived in Ann Arbor while Bill attended UM Law School. Their first son, Jeff was born at UM Hospital in 1953. After moving back to Muskegon to join his father's law firm, sons Jim and Jay were born and the family lived in Norton Shores. Bill had a very successful career practicing law in Muskegon until 1996 and like his father served many years as the City Attorney of Muskegon Heights. He also served as the City Attorney of Montague.
Bill and Jayne loved watching and attending UM football games and traveled to watch many games at various Big Ten and Bowl sites. Most summers, Bill predicted that the team would go undefeated in the upcoming season. The couple loved taking family vacations to Ft. Lauderdale every spring and always enjoyed having drinks and dinner with close friends. In later years, Bill and Jayne enjoyed spending the winters in Florida. Bill loved to laugh and to make friends and family laugh with his quirky sense of humor.
SURVIVORS
3 sons, Jeff Balgooyen, Jim (Carol) Balgooyen and Jay (Julie) Balgooyen; 11 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brother, Ric (Marti) Balgooyen; sister-in-law, Lois Hickman; special friend, Shirley Kohler. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Jayne, granddaughter, Julie Rose and sister, Sue Mitchell.
SERVICE
A Private Family Service will be held. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.
Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon
Tributes
"Sad to read about this. Mr. Balgooyen was kind to me when as a high school student I met him through my classmate Jim and younger brother Jay. I recall with a smile the bleachers for watching UM football games that he installed in the basement of the family home, which was (otherwise) an elegant home at Mona Lake. He was loyal to his sons and a very worthy role model for them, and for me. My sincere condolences to the family. Go Blue. "
"Sorry to hear of Bill?s passing. Alice and I spent many evenings sharing dinner and playing cards with Bill and Jayne while at the University of Michigan. Also, watching hockey was a favorite night out. Prayers to Bill?s family."
"Jim, Carol and family. So very sorry to hear the loss of your dad. Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts during this time. Loved that he was a Michigan fan. Sending hugs to your family. "
"Jay and Julie, you have my sympathy for the loss of Bill. He was a special guy! I?m grateful I had the opportunity to know him when he lived at the Village at Park Terrace. I know you spent lots of time taking great care of him and he was so grateful. You?re in my thoughts and prayers."
"Jay so sorry for the loss of your dad. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Remembering you fondly during your time served as the attorney for the Muskegon Heights Housing Commission."