William Papranec

William Papranec, age 85, of Eaton Rapids passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. William was born on June 24, 1934, in Chicago, the son of Joseph and Amalia (Skrip) Papranec, Sr. He moved with his family to Charlotte in the 1930s, where they operated a dairy farm. William graduated from Charlotte High School in 1953 and went on to attend MSU before enlisting into the United States Air Force. He returned to Michigan, where he went to work as an airplane mechanic working for Marshall and Big Rapids airports. He eventually returned to Eaton Rapids to raise his family and work on the dairy farm.  William’s talents for fixing things stretched well beyond airplanes. He could come up with a simple solution to almost any problem. He loved to travel, especially to Alaska where he enjoyed hunting and traveling the countryside. William was an excellent story teller and extremely out-going; he could strike up a conversation with anyone he came across.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Joseph Papranec, Jr. and Paul Papranec.
Surviving are his children, Adam (Crystal) Papranec, Andy Papranec, Heidi (Matt) Williams, Heather (Brian) Lewis; grandchildren, Trent (Elizabeth) Hurd, Barrett Papranec, Gabrielle (Collin) Smith, Marcus Papranec, Grace Papranec, Caleb Williams, A.J. Papranec, Clara Williams; great-grandchildren, Tucker Hurd, Carson Hurd, Harper Smith and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Brickyard Cemetery in Eaton Rapids Township.  The family will receive friends at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids at 11 a.m. for processional to the cemetery.  Immediately following the graveside service, a luncheon will be hosted at the Charlotte Pentecostal Church of God. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Catholic Charities in memory of William. To share memories or condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.