William James Bruinekool

Age 59, passed away on January 9, 2025. Bill was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 27, 1965, the 8th son of Elliot L. and Evelyn J. (DeVormer) Bruinekool. He was a life-long resident of the Battle Creek area. Bill graduated from Pennfield High School, class of 1983. Bill loved sports. His senior year he played offensive guard and his team was undefeated. Bill was selected to the 1983 All City and all conference teams. He attended Kellogg Community College where he earned an associate’s degree. Bill was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, trapping and hiking. He was also a huge animal lover and enjoyed long walks in the woods with his dogs Jasper, Pluto and his current companion, Hawkeye. He loved his family and took an active role in everything they were involved with throughout their lives. Bill had an expertise and passion for roasting pigs at family celebrations. He also loved to cook and bake. One of his specialties was many different varieties of cupcakes. He would bake them and give them away just for the fun of it! Bill had a great sense of humor and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Tonya (Baldwin) Bruinekool; children, Julianna (Elliot McManamy), Allison and Heath Bruinekool; mother, Evelyn Bruinekool; brothers, Wayne, Jeff, Steve, Ron, Ted, Mitch and Richard Bruinekool; sisters, Cindy (Bob) Allison and Carrianne Evele; sister in-law, Susan Southwick; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Elliot Bruinekool; nephew, Tyler Bruinekool and nieces, Isabella Franco and Morgan Bruinekool. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to All Species Kinship Donate Here (PO Box 4055 Battle Creek, MI 49016).