Walter James Bisard, aged 85, of Ravenna, passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at his home with his wife at his side. Walt was born June 17, 1918 at the family farm near Bailey. He was the youngest child of Walter Benjamin and Nellie Elizabeth (Batchelder) Bisard. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mary Hale, Dottie Moore, Wayne, Allie, and Howard Bisard. He is survived by his sister Florence Kuhn. He attended Wheat School until the eighth grade and worked on the farm until he married Erma Elaine Higgins on September 20, 1938 in Elkhart, IN. He then worked for Muskegon Paper Mill and joined the US Navy from June 22, 1944 until February 1, 1946 and saw extensive action in the Pacific. After returning from the Navy, he worked for the WPA building bridges near Grant and then worked at CWC in Muskegon Hts. for 34 years.

He and his wife had three children, Pat (Sam) Hinton of North Muskegon, Bill (Sue) Bisard of Mt. Pleasant, and baby Stephen Charles who died in infancy. He has 5 grandchildren, Kelly, Jody, Mark, Terry, and Bucky and 9 great-grandchildren. Walt enjoyed his family, the Ravenna farm, his garden and animals. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren visiting his farm and he loved doing special things with each of them. He was a very loyal American and a life member of the VFW, American Legion, and Eagles. Walt will be sincerely missed by his family, friends, and fellow veterans.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A. M. Monday, May 10, 2004, at the McKinley Funeral Home in Grant with Mr. David Joe Hatter officiating. Interment will be in the Ashland Center Cemetery near Grant. Visitation will be held 10-11 A. M. prior to the services. For memorials please consider the Muskegon County Humane Society.