William Lacrosse

Mr. William “Bill” Albert LaCrosse, 85 of Atlanta, Michigan died peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of his family on December 18, 2022.  He was born on March 28, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to the late William and Helen LaCrosse.

Bill met his wife, Beverly, when he was stationed at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  He frequented the candy counter of their local movie theater where his favorite girl, Beverly, worked.  They were later married in Portsmouth on September 21, 1957 and together the couple celebrated 64 years of marriage.

Bill’s career in the visual arts began in 1955 with ground and aerial photography in the Air Force. He then went on to working as a news photographer for WJIM-TV in Lansing, Michigan.  From there he branched out into film, working with Time-Life Broadcasting and the University of Michigan Media Center.  His creativity, visual acuteness, and charm led to his becoming an award winning cinematographer—winning two Gold Camera Awards, a Cann Film Festival Award, and a regional Emmy Award for his documentaries.  Along with news, documentaries, tv commercials, and training videos, Bill enjoyed filming sporting events for the NCAA and University of Michigan Athletics Department—especially enjoying the working relationship he had with the late Bo Schembechler.  Through the years, Bill did wedding photography and videography, capturing the couple’s joy on their special day.  Although Bill eventually retired from his five-decade-long career, he never put down his camera.  For a number of years, he served as official photographer for quick build Kingdom Halls of Jehovahs Witnesses in Michigan.  Recording visual images had become a part of who he was. Friends and family knew there would be candid shots and posing for pictures whenever they were with Bill.

Through Beverly’s love for the Bible, Bill came to appreciate its message and likewise developed a deep love for God’s Word.  He became an avid student of the Bible. Bill had a knack of making people feel at ease and would share what he learned with all he came in contact.

Bill was known to be a generous, caring man. He took the initiative to give to those in need, plan large gatherings, bbqs, and fish fries, snow plow driveways for friends, or provide emotional support for families with sick loved ones.

Bill loved the outdoors.  He would enjoy time with family and friends smelt fishing, camping, or hunting. Bill set a goal of photographing as many of Michigan’s many waterfalls as he could, which afforded the family opportunities to travel and hike together.

Bill is survived by sons, William (Joyce) LaCrosse of San Leandro, California; Robert LaCrosse of Atlanta, Michigan; Blair (Michelle) LaCrosse of Flint, Michigan; daughters, Beth Pacza of Westland, Michigan; Breanna (Tel) Bushong of Atlanta, Michigan; grandchildren, Kristopher, Sara, Billy, Marissa, Aimee, Barak, Brenna, Holley, Zachrey, Kyler, Mekenna, and Brooklyn; great-grandchildren, Nicole, Kody, Keith, Rayla, and Nellie; and niece, Cindy Bloemsma.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly; his father, William LaCrosse; his step-mother, Louise (Thompson) LaCrosse; step-sister, LouAnn Roe; and brother, Donald LaCrosse.

A private memorial service will be held at the Atlanta, Michigan Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and on Zoom for family and friends.