After high school graduation, Bill worked in the foundry at International Harvester Co. to earn money for college. He then enrolled at the University of Iowa where he completed his undergraduate degree in four years and continued for another two years in graduate school in the College of Medicine, earning a degree in Hospital Administration. While serving as best man in a friend's wedding, Bill met his future wife, Kitty, who was the maid of honor. Kitty, also an Iowa student, was a year behind Bill. Bill and Kitty were married while still living in Iowa City. In 1969, with dreams of going "to the big city," they moved to Chicago where they remained for eight years. There Bill served as vice president of a large medical center. Two years after the move, their first son, Jason, was born at the hospital where Bill worked . In 1977, Bill was contacted by a recruiter to interview for a position at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan . He signed on with Mary Free Bed where today he serves as president and CEO. An 80-bed facility founded 120 years ago as a charity hospital, Mary Free Bed specializes in adult brain injury, spinal cord injury or disease, pediatric and adolescent programs, stroke, and orthopedics. After the move to Michigan, their second son, Eric, was born. Bill and Kitty are still enjoying the home they bought thirty-four years ago on Spring Lake in the Village of Spring Lake in Western Michigan. Spring Lake empties into Lake Michigan. Every year, from late June to early August, Bill and Kitty go to Northern Michigan and live on their boat. Kitty taught school for two years before moving on to a career as a stay-at-home mom. She now enjoys contributing as a substitute teacher, usually one or two days a week. The Blessings' older son, Jason, was married eight years ago. He and his wife, Holly, are the parents of six-year-old triplets - sons, Parker and Wells, and daughter, Peyton. Bill and Kitty's younger son, Eric, and his wife, Mandy, were married about a year ago. Both sons reside in the Bay Area, with Eric in San Francisco and Jason in Walnut Creek. Bill and Kitty love to visit their sons and "grandtriplets." Bill and Kitty love the Midwest, Michigan in particular. Bill proudly states that some of the clear, blue-water lakes are as pretty as the Bahamas. In the fall and spring, they like working in their yard and garden. After the boat is winterized in the fall, they typically hop into Kitty's Audi convertible and take in the fall colors. Recently, that was a 500-mile drive through Northern Michigan, stopping in the Bluebird Restaurant and Bar in Leland to watch the Iowa - Michigan game. Die-hard Hawkeyes, Bill and Kitty were surprised to encounter a few other Iowa fans at the bar, but added that their sons (Wolverines?) appeared to be avoiding their phone calls during the game. After he retires, Bill would like to drive to watch Iowa play at as many different venues as possible. They've been to about half of those places but hope to complete the list. Bill shared a concern that, having made his living in the health care industry, he now thinks it may not be there for him in his later years. He predicts that, due to the current new health care legislation, hospitals will encounter huge additional expenses, and some will be forced to close their doors. Thinking back to high school, Bill describes himself in those days as "shy and not outgoing." He had fun at the sporting events, especially the basketball games . He recalls his Spanish teacher, John Blomberg, as outstanding . Cletus Melchior also comes to mind as one of his favorite teachers. "Mr. Melchior used to do something that would raise eyebrows in today's world," he says. That was, having students at his home for popcorn and talking politics while sitting in folding chairs in the basement. Bill also remembers "driving cars too fast, cruising the ones, and boating on the Mississippi." With the 50th class reunion being nearly two years away and because he still works, Bill can't predict with much certainty whether or not he'll make it to the big event, but he wouldn't rule it out . Most of their travels are to the West Coast to visit their sons' families and have fun with the amazing triplets . Bill would enjoy hearing from old friends and classmates. bill.blessing2955@gmail.com
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