William J Cotant

William J. Cotant passed on to be with his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ early Friday morning, June 18, 2021, at home in Hastings.

Bill, age 90, was the eldest child of Dwight and Gonne (Coles) Cotant of Hastings where he resided his whole life.  He began his education at Star School, graduated from Hastings High School, and attended Michigan State College taking courses in general agriculture.  He met Marilyn Marie McDonald in chemistry class when the teacher assigned Marilyn and her friend to join the table of boys to see if the girls could help the boys with chemistry. It worked – the chemistry sparked, and they married in 1950!  Marilyn died in 2018 after 67 years of marriage, Bill caring faithfully for her, especially during their final years together. Together, Bill and Marilyn raised 4 children: Arthur (Judi) Cotant, Robert (Kathy) Cotant, Lori (Dan) Jorg, and Ann (Bruce) Scheck, each of whom love and admire their parents to this day.  He is also survived by his sister, Jean (Don) Couch, nieces, nephews, and 3 generations of grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his younger brother, Richard Cotant.

Growing up on the family farm, Bill hunted, trapped, and learned to raise field crops, fruit trees, vegetables, chickens and livestock. In 1947, he started Cotant's Farm Market on South M-37 while still in school.  He eventually worked 2 full-time jobs, including 36 years at Kellogg's in Battle Creek which helped provide the resources to support his "hobby" farming.  His son Bob officially joined the farm market in 1975, but Bob jovially says he has been a part of the operation since 1953 (the year of his birth).

In January 1958, Bill trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord, and for the rest of his life was active at the Evangelical United Brethren Church (now Hope UMC) in Hastings. Bill and Marilyn enthusiastically led the youth group for 25 years, taught Sunday School and also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Lay Leader.  In the community, he served for 12 years on the Hastings Area Board of Education, a time on the Star School Board and Hastings Township Planning and Zoning Commission, and various grower organizations. He served as president of the school board for 4 years (1972-76) and one of the most meaningful honors he received was being chosen Hastings High School Alumnus of the year 1995.

Marilyn loved to travel and dragged Bill along with her to Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii.  He often said he would have missed out on a lot if she hadn't just gone ahead and planned the trips. They enjoyed a full life together.

Please join with the family in praise and thanksgiving to God for Bill's life.  Services will be at 12:00 noon on Monday, June 28, at Hope UMC, 2920 S M-37 Highway.  Visitation will be held at Hope United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 27, 6:00-8:00 pm and 11:00 am before the service on Monday. A luncheon will follow the service.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hope United Methodist Church.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .