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William H. Spike
Born: 5/9/1943
Died: 9/10/2026
Age: 83
Community: Service will be held at Salem Lutheran Church, Owosso, MI
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William “Bill” Spike passed away on September 10th, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on May 9th, 1943, in East Lansing, Michigan, to Dr. Cyril and Myra Spike.
Bill’s family moved to the Owosso area in the mid-1940’s, where they established Spike Farms, a dairy and farming operation that became both his life’s work and one of his greatest joys. A lifelong farmer, businessman, and proud steward of the land, Bill loved tractors, working the farm, fixing machinery, and lending a hand to fellow farmers whenever he could. One of the things he especially enjoyed was the annual tradition of driving tractors across the Mackinac Bridge, a fitting reflection of his love for farming, community, and the machines that connected him to both. He graduated from Chesaning High School in 1961 and Michigan State University in 1965, carrying with him a deep pride in both his local community and his beloved MSU Spartans.
Bill was deeply committed to serving the communities that shaped him. Over the years, he gave generously of his time and energy through Shiawassee County 4-H, Michigan Farm Bureau, the Chesaning School Board, Chesaning High School FFA alumni, local and state politics, and many other efforts that supported young people, agriculture, and rural life. He also enjoyed exchanging ideas and learning alongside farm communities across the world. His curiosity, generosity, and willingness to serve left a meaningful mark on many people across the Owosso and Chesaning communities.
Bill was also a longtime auctioneer, seed salesman, and faithful member of Salem Lutheran Church. When he was not helping other local farmers, repairing equipment, or inspecting the fields, he could often be found cheering on the Michigan State Spartans, the Detroit Lions, or the Chesaning High School football team. His life reflected a steady love for family, faith, farming, and community.
Left to cherish Bill’s memory are his wife, Debra Spike; his daughters, Jennifer Spike and Julie (Todd) Zaniewski; stepchildren, Lori and Mark (Lindsay) Snyder; daughter-in-law, Carmen Spike; grandchildren, Kyler, Owen and Spencer Spike, Katelyn and Ryan Zaniewski, Noah Thornhill and Josie Snyder; siblings, Richard (Madelon) Spike and Diann Jenkins; as well as many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his sons, Patrick and Ryan Spike; grandson, William Victor Spike; sisters, Edith Ann Kettler and Patricia Talsma; brother, Thomas Spike; and his parents.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Nelson-House Funeral Home (120 E Mason Sr, Owosso, MI 48867). A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Salem Lutheran Church (330 N Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chesaning FFA Alumni or Salem Lutheran Church in Bill’s memory. |
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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9/15/2026 |
| Time: |
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2:00 PM |
| Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Nelson-House Funeral Home (120 E Mason Sr, Owosso, MI 48867). |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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9/16/2026 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Salem Lutheran Church
330 N Washington St.
Owosso, MI 48867Get a Map to this location...
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