Obituary of William Lee Van Atten

William Van Atten age 88 of Alma Michigan passed on to his heavenly home on May 2, 2024,
at Masonic Pathways with his family by his side after a lengthy battle with Parkinsons disease and dementia.
There will be a celebration of life on May 11, 2024, from 1-3 pm at Doig Chapel at Masonic Pathways in Alma
He was born in Alma on August 24, 1935, to Violet Odem and Earl Van Atten.
 He attended school in Alma, graduating in 1954 and went into the Marine Corp to serve his country. He was a semi driver by trade and after he retired, he was a delivery driver for Bob Moore Flowers for several years. He always said he loved putting smiles on people’s faces.
In his younger years he was an awesome roller skater and taught all his kids to roller skate. He also was a scout leader and spent many summers at Camp Cutler with his oldest son.
He was a roller coaster enthusiast that would ride all the coasters in the amusement park with his kids.
He was a lifelong member of the Elks.
He spent many summers camping with his children until life wouldn’t let him go anymore. He was always the first one up and the last one in bed. Building the best campfires and showing us all “how it’s done”.
Our dad was always there for us, and we will miss him dearly. He is now with his beloved wife of 66 years who preceded him on April 17, 2023.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children Rhonda (Ted) Swank of Swartz Creek, William of Alma,
Jody, and Kimberly (Amando) Garcia of Alma, sister Yvonne Sapp of Tucson AZ grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
He was preceded by his wife, parents, sisters Vivian Terwilliger, Delores Upton, brother James Van Atten, grandson Garrett, granddaughter Leticia and great granddaughter Angelena
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Dalis to the Rescue or the Elks Lodge of Alma.

Special thanks to the staff on 2North at Masonic Pathways for their compassion and great care during our dad's time there.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.