William Archie "Bill" Dush

   William Archie "Bill" Dush, age 95, of Ashley, MI, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Midland, MI.

     Memorial Service at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI, at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 19, 2023, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf- Keck officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Eureka Cemetery, Eureka, MI, at a later date.

   William was born in Elsie, Michigan on October 6, 1927, the son of Elzy and Gladys (Sevy) Dush. He graduated from Maple Rapids Schools. He married Mildred Rose Vostrirancky on November 8, 1947, in St. Johns, Michigan.  They were blessed with fifty-five years of marriage; prior to her passing on October 18, 2003.

     Bill retired from General Motors after twenty-five years of service as a fixture repairman. He was a lifelong farmer. He resided for eighty-five years on his family's centennial farm that began in 1854. Bill raised, showed and bred percheron draft horses and livestock. He loved reading and collecting farm related antiques. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a medic.

   He is survived by his daughter Peggy and Denny Walker of Eau Claire, MI; sons: Ronnie Dush of St. Johns, MI; John and Amy Dush of Elsie, MI; Jerry and Dawn Dush of Elsie, MI; Tim and Dionne Dush of Diamondale, MI; Philip Dush and fiancé Sandy of Elsie, MI; special friend Andrea Ackels of Ashley, MI; former son-in-law Jon Thelen of St. Johns, MI.  He is also survived by eighteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mildred, daughter Sally Malatinsky, grandsons: Jason Dush and Michael Malatinsky, brother Wayne Dush and sister Marietta Larson. 

     Memorials may be made to the Percheron Horse Association of Michigan. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.