William Michael Coaster

William “Bill” Coaster, age 78, of Central Lake, MI passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, July 25th, 2025.

Bill was born July 10, 1947, to Francis and Evelyn Coaster of Ubly, MI.

Bill married the love of his life and best friend Ella Dawson on July 19th, 1985, and together they created an amazing, blended family. The last text he sent to his kids on his 40th anniversary, 6 days before he passed, was “We sure are one Happy Couple with a Very Special Family!!” Bill’s life centered around his wife, kids and grandkids and he constantly reminded them how proud he was and how much they meant to him. His true legacy will be what an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend he was and he will be greatly missed.

Through his 50-year career in Education, Bill spent many years as a teacher, elementary principal and then continued in the education field by helping schools obtain required state transportation certifications. He truly loved his job, colleagues and his daily meetings up until his last days.

Anyone who knew Bill, knew he was an avid Detroit Lions fan, and his favorite color was Honolulu blue. He would always say “This is going to be their year”. If he wasn’t watching his Lions, you could find him barbequing, or on his tractor mowing/snow blowing, or helping a neighbor.

Bill is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ella Coaster. His children, Andrea (Bill) McDonald, Julie (Scott) Papineau, Brent (Janine) Coaster, and Jennifer (Larry Brown) McDowell. His grandchildren, Zach, Ashley, Ryan, Shawn, Eric (Tanya), Bill, and Kate McDonald, Trevor (Katelyn) and Grant (Elle) Papineau, Ava, Briton, Maisie and Bowen Coaster, and Abbey (Devan), Teagan, and Brooklynn Brown. His great-grandchildren, Cooper Papineau, Annika and Vivika McDonald, and Kainen and Maisie Davis. His sister, Chris (Terry) Lehman and his sisters-in-law, Sherrie Coaster, Shirley McPherson, and Ginny Carter.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Evelyn Coaster, his in-laws, John and Hazel Dawson, brother, Rick Coaster, sister-in-law, Wilda Bryce, and brothers-in-law, Chuck McPherson and Max Carter.

Bill loved his friends, colleagues, and extended family and he and his family ask that instead of traveling from all over the state to attend a funeral service, that in honor of Bill that you take a moment and celebrate his life by leaving a special memory of Bill on the guest book and/or extending a hand to someone in need.

There will be a private burial service with his immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan / Moms & Tots Center, PO BOX 206, Ellsworth, Michigan 49729.

Arrangements are under the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com