William Michael Slota, 85, of Montague, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Trinity Hospital, in Muskegon. He was born October 8, 1938, in Denver, Colorado. Bill attended Regis High School and Wichita State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Engineering.

On August 2, 1957, Bill married Patricia McCormack in Denver, Colorado, and they spent 68 years together.

Bill had a long career in the aerospace industry working in quality assurance, moving his growing family around the country from Colorado to Michigan. He started at Martin Marietta, worked for GE as a subcontractor at NASA, and on their jet division in Arkansas City, Kansas.  After his years in Kansas, he moved to Neosho, Missouri to work at Rocketdyne/Teledyne.  In 1975, Bill moved to Rockton, Illinois, as he started a new job at Sundstrand managing quality assurance for both military and civilian jet engines. He moved one more time to Montague, Michigan, retiring from Howmet in 2000.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman and a passionate traveler. Mixing the two with hunting trips to Montana for mule deer, Canada for caribou, Mexico for ducks, as well as Texas with his sons, Mike and Mark, for wild boar. He also enjoyed fishing, cars, vintage racing, and genealogy. Pat and Bill traveled the world satisfying their curiosity in all things historical from Egypt, Alaska, Slovakia, South America, Italy, and all the Eastern Mediterranean countries. Bill was also a prolific storyteller, sharing his knowledge, history, and adventures with all.

Bill is survived by: his wife, Pat Slota; children, Barb (Edgar) Longstreet, Diane (Mike dec.) Slota, Mark (Robin) Slota, Robin (John) Winkle, Val (Dennis) Lyford, and Will (Jungeun) Slota; 22 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister in laws, Patsy Slota and Kathy Gay; and their very special Indian Point Circle of friends.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Michael "Jimmy" and Erma (Carosella) Slota; brothers, Jim and Bob; sister, Loretta Marshall; sons, Michael and John; and grandson Clay.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 4, 2024, at St. James Catholic Church, 5149 Dowling St, Montague, MI 49437, with Father Peter Omogo presiding, Visitation will take place at 9:00 AM, at the church, with a praying of Holy Rosary beginning at 10:30 AM. Following the conclusion of Mass, Internment will be held in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, in Montague, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Muskegon Rescue Mission.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com