Bill was born in Ripon CA and lived all 86 years there.

He served in the Army in the South Pacific during WWII and enjoyed sharing stories with friends in his later years. After working many years as a truck mechanic for various companies around the Modesto-Ripon area he retired and with his wife Betty Jane took a 7-week trip around the U.S. Bill also enjoyed collecting and restoring antique engines, tractors and trucks for many years, displaying them every year at the Stanislaus County Fair. He belonged to W.H.E.A.T (Western Heritage Engine Antique Tractors) and American Historical Truck Society.

Bill’s family would like to thank the wonderful and loving care he received from his extended family at Bethany Home.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Betty Jane in 2001, infant son Johnny and granddaughter Michelle. Bill is survived by his daughter Karin Smits and husband Ron, son Dan Schaapman, daughter Stephanie Wilson and husband Dan, daughter Jennifer Titsworth and husband Mike, 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, brothers Don and Melvin Schaapman.

Services were held on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. Deegan Ripon Memorial was in charge of services. On line guest registry still available at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com