William (Bill) Weaver Hess of Saugatuck passed away peacefully Oct. 21, 2024, after fighting a long illness. He is survived by his loving partner of 46 years, Michael (Mike) Mattern, four nieces and one nephew. Bill was predeceased by his parents, his sister Patricia and brother Daniel.
Bill was born on May 2, 1946, in Phoenix, Ariz., the son of Rueben H. Hess and Virginia Wills Hess. He graduated from Central High School in Phoenix and the University of Arizona in Tucson.
Bill was a human resources and communications specialist. In retirement he served on Saugatuck City Council and was mayor from 2012 to 2015. One of his passions was the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center, where he served on the board for many years.
He “loved” Saugatuck from day one when he and Mike bought a cottage back in 1981, then building a new house and moving here permanently in 2005.
No formal services are planned. Donations in memory of Bill can be made to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center.
Gone but never forgotten.
Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes-Saugatuck Chapel. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.
