William's life began May 27, 1941 in Benton Harbor.  He was a lifetime area resident and owned several businesses from a TV shop to a car lot to a garage.  In his spare time William enjoyed fishing, going to the casino, and racing at Hartford Speedway.

Family was everything to William and it includes: two children Charline Schmalfeldt-Sikes and James (Lica) Schmalfeldt; seven grandchildren Paula (Jason) Schmalfeldt-Dawson, Lacy Spangler, Crystal Spangler, Harley Sikes, Heather Schmalfeldt, James Schmalfeldt, and Stephanie Schmalfeldt; 10 great grandchildren; his girlfriend Jan Bogart; five siblings Ida (Don) Jones, Ivan (Kimberly) Schmalfeldt, Marvin (Kelley) Schmalfeldt, Ronnie (Kathleen) Schmalfeldt, Eddie Schmalfeldt; and many nieces and nephews.

William died Saturday, May 20, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.  He is preceded in death by; his wife Shirley Schmalfeldt, a son William John Schmalfeldt Jr, his mom Ida Schmalfeldt, father William Schmalfeldt, a brother Frederick Schmalfeldt, and a sister June Andrews.  Funeral services will be celebrated Wednesday, May 24, at 2:00 PM with visitation prior starting at 12:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet.  Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery in Hartford.  You are invited to leave a message for William's family at hutchinsfuneral.com