William Wirt “Bill” House passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2024. Bill was born on March 13, 1955, in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up with his parents, Jack and Nancy House, in Fremont, Ohio. Bill graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1973, and married the love of his life, Sharon Ann Martin, on December 7, 1975, in Fremont, Ohio.

Wishing to settle in a home in the country, Bill and Sharon moved from Ohio to Ferry, Michigan, in 1976. Bill and Sharon soon welcomed their sons, Jacob David House, and Levi James House, into their lives. As a family they enjoyed boating on local lakes and on Lake Erie and visiting the Martin family farm in Ohio.

Bill began working for UPS in 1978, and he spent most of his time in the Pentwater area where his giant personality and strong work ethic created many lifelong friendships along his route. Bill retired in 2010.

Bill had a big heart, and he was a tireless volunteer. He could be counted on to show up when asked to lend a hand, and everyone who worked alongside him knew that he would tell them exactly what he thought and do his best to make good things happen.

Soon after moving to Oceana County Bill and Sharon became members of the Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ. Bill spent countless hours serving in leadership roles in the church including the Board of Trustees and Men’s Fellowship.

The Oceana Old Newsboys & Goodfellows was an organization that was especially important to Bill, and he served as president of the group for the last 23 years. Exemplifying that group’s motto – “Let No Child Be Forgotten” – Bill was actively working on the 2024 campaign at the time of his passing. Bill relied on his vast network of friends to help the group, and he personally oversaw raffles and other fund-raising events.

Bill enjoyed being a member of the Oceana Eagles and the Shelby Optimist Club, and he was certainly one of the biggest Ohio State fans in Oceana County. When the Buckeyes were rolling, Bill let everyone know!

Bill is survived by: his sons, Jake House (Alicia Christensen and her daughter, Chloe Christensen) and Levi House; granddaughters, Lola House and Winnie House; brother James (Ann) House; his sister-in-law, Gail Martin; nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends including his lifelong friends, Steve Fry and Ted Kreilick.

 Bill was preceded in death by: his wife, Sharon Martin House; parents, Jack and Nancy House.

Visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday, December 20, between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Avenue, Shelby, Michigan 49455.

Memorials may be sent to the Oceana County Council on Aging, the Oceana Old Newsboys & Goodfellows, or the Shelby Congregational United Church of Christ.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

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