William Holt Pries (Bill) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, age 78, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 12, 2023. He was born to William and Doris (Holt) Pries on June 21, 1945, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Bill was the eldest of three children, growing up in the Alger Heights neighborhood. He was a 1963 graduate of Ottawa Hills High School, earned his undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Michigan, and was a member of the Army Reserves. Bill spent most of his career working in the auto industry, however in his golden years of retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed teaching a few economics courses at Grand Valley State University. He was also an aviation enthusiast and maintained his private pilot license from his twenties until well into retirement age, flying his family to many destinations over the years. Bill was married to the light and love of his life, Julie Marie (Fleming) Pries. Together they enjoyed music, fine cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family on Lake Michigan.

Bill is preceded in death by his infant brother George and his parents, William Henry Pries and Doris Mae (Holt) Pries.

Bill is survived by his wife, Julie Marie Pries; his two sisters, Patty Pries-Smrstik (husband Ken) and Marcy Lepsch (husband Ron); his daughter, Kathryn Pries Wendell (husband Will); his seven stepchildren, Tony Larabel (wife Jessie), Rachael Larabel, Meredith Buikema (husband Ric), Tom Larabel (wife Darcy), Margaret Larabel; Elizabeth Phaneuf (husband Tyler), Daniel Larabel (wife Claire); and sixteen adorable grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Bill's primary hospice team from Corewell Health for their compassion and guidance throughout this difficult process, especially Angie, Rhonda, and Brian.

A private memorial service will be held with family. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the American Stroke Association, a Division of the American Heart Association, located at 3940 Peninsular Dr. SE, Suite 180, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.