William L. St. Louis, 72, of Sturgis, died Sunday afternoon, April 17, 2005, at Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room.

He was born November 29, 1932, on Mackinac Island to Frances Lloyd and Nellie (nee Davenport) St. Louis.

Mr. St. Louis moved to Sturgis from Detroit in 1960, just after he married Marie Grawey of Highland Park December 5, 1959.

Mr. St. Louis retired from the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission in 1995, after 35 years of service. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict, earning the rank of sergeant.

He was a member of the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis, Captain John J. Kelley Post #1335 VFW, and Newman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion. Mr. St. Louis had many interests and hobbies that included boating, fishing, playing golf, traveling, and word search puzzles. He was also a sports fan and always enjoyed following Detroit sports teams. He was proud of his Native American heritage and enjoyed researching his heritage.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marie; two daughters and their families, Arlene St. Louis and Wanda and Alan Barker, both of Sturgis; two sons and their families, Stephen St. Louis and his fiancee, Rhonda O’Toole, of White Pigeon, and Michael and Kathryn St. Louis of Sturgis; 10 grandchildren, Michelle, Glenn, William, Mathew, Elizabeth, Jacob, Nicole, Jason, Courtney, and Austin; 13 great grandchildren; and one brother, Robert St. Louis of Virginia.

His parents and his brother, John St. Louis, preceded him in death.

A memorial mass celebrating the life of William St. Louis will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis. Father Richard Fritz will officiate.

Burial of ashes will follow the mass at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis, where Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW will confer full military rites.

Memorial donations may be directed to the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes are available at the Hackman-Foglesong Funeral Home in Sturgis.