William "Bill" Wayne Unger

William Wayne "Bill" Unger, 76, of Wabash, Indiana and a legend of Spider Lake, Michigan, took his final ski ride at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 11, 2021.  He spent his last days surrounded with family and friends, sharing some of the legendary Spider Lake stories.   

Bill was born on May 1, 1945, in Wabash, to the late Floyd and Viola (Fierstos) Unger.  Bill was a 1963 graduate of Wabash High School and then of the University of Saint Francis.  He was a landscaper, small business owner and entrepreneur, Universal Center and Unger Landscaping.  Bill's early career, he worked at General Tire in the Human Resources Department and also worked at Wabash Magnetics.  He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wabash.   He was a founding member of SLPOA and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge, both in Wabash.  

Bill learned his colorful language and mechanical skills while growing up in the family business, Unger Trucking Company.  He had a strong passion for animals, spending time at the local hangouts and his cabin at Spider Lake.  Bill will be remembered for his wit, humorous storytelling, grit and ingenuity.  Most of all, Bill will be remembered for his love of family and especially of his grandchildren. 

Bill is survived by two sons, Bill T. (Jessica) Unger, of Traverse City, Michigan and TJ (Elizabeth) Unger, of Roanoke; two daughters, Stephanie (Brian) Gottschalk and Emily (Brandon) France, both of Wabash; two sisters, Dorthy Reiken, of Traverse City and Frances (Tom) Whitmyre, of Wabash; eight grandchildren, Isaac Gottschalk, Elise Gottschalk, Isabel France, Magdalen France, Solomon France, Sophia France, Will Unger and Kate Unger.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 207 North Cass Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Father Levi Nkwocha officiating.  Burial will follow at Falls Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

Preferred memorial is to Spider Lake Property Owners Association c/o McDonald Funeral Homes.

Following the burial at Falls Cemetery, the family will be hosting a celebration and to raise a glass for Bill at the REMC building, 350 Wedcor Avenue, Wabash, beginning at approximately 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021.  

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com.

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