William Charles Zick

William (Bill) Charles Zick, 83, of St. Joseph passed away early Friday morning, July 22, 2016 at Lakeland Hospital with his family nearby. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.  There will be no visitation and no funeral service.  A private family gathering will be held at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service.  Those wishing to share a condolence of Bill online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation or to the St. Joseph Public Library. Bill was born in Benton Harbor on April 7, 1933 to Helen (Hocker) and Stanley Zick, and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1951.  During his senior year, he was a member of the State Championship Basketball Team.  After high school, he attended Michigan State University and graduated with a B.S. in Biology in 1955.  Immediately after college, he signed up for Naval O.C.S. at Newport, Rhode Island.  As a Lieutenant J.G., he eventually served for three and a half years at Barber’s Point, Hawaii, instilling in him a life-long love of Hawaii. In November of 1963 he married the love of his life, Mary Lou (Johnson) Zick.  In addition to being husband and wife, they were also best friends.  Bill began his teaching career in the Benton Harbor Public Schools and finished in the St. Joseph Public Schools.  During his years at the St. Joseph Schools, he was the varsity golf coach for 11 years. Golf was his life-long passion and he took it seriously.  From the age of 10, on any given summer day, he could most likely be found on the golf course.  He also enjoyed tennis, flying, and hiking the national parks with Mary Lou. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family, and was especially proud of his grandchildren Blaine and Georgia Warmbein. Bill is survived by his wife Mary Lou; daughters Gretchen (Jeff Smithson) and Julie (Jeff) Migala; grandchildren Georgia and Blaine; sister Bonnie Boekeloo; beloved brother-in-law Maury Boekeloo; nephews Brad Boekeloo (Stan Drake) and Stuart Boekeloo (Lori Abney) and niece Karen (Mark) Thomas.  He was preceded in death by his parents.