William M. Schrauben

William Schrauben, Jr., a loved father, grandfather, brother, son, nephew, and friend, known in Jackson, MI for his veterinary practice, which he ran for many years with dedication and compassion, died on April 25, 2020 at his home in Portland, MI. He was 66. At his side were his daughter and son-in-law, Lee (Schrauben) and Keegan Peters.

The cause was complications from cancer of the head and neck, which he had been living with since the spring of 2018.

He practiced as a small-animal veterinarian at the Arbor Hills Veterinary Clinic in Jackson, Michigan for 37 years, including owning and running the clinic for 27 years, before retiring in 2015 and moving to his hometown of Portland. As a mainstay in the Jackson community, Bill established and kept many clients through straightforward, genial, and compassionate animal care. 

Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, including nurturing and supporting academics and athletics in his children and attending family gatherings at the Looking Glass River. His pastimes spanned deer hunting, sci-fi reading, and watching MSU sports. As a retiree he enjoyed Wednesday night trivia, golfing with his brothers, and testing his green thumb (and scaring the rabbits and squirrels out of his vegetable garden). He will be remembered as an honest and forthright veterinarian, a helpful and appreciative son and sibling, and a loving and protective father.

Bill was born July 5, 1953 in Portland, Michigan to the late Bill Sr. and Marie (Gross) Schrauben. He was the oldest of 8 children. He graduated from Portland St. Patrick High School in 1971 and went on to study veterinary medicine at Michigan State University, where he graduated in 1977. While studying at MSU, Bill met the love of his life, Denise Mergener. They were married on September 17, 1977, and were married for 27 years until her death in 2005.

Bill is survived by their 4 children: Nathan, Joel (Sarah), Lee (Keegan), and Eric (Rhiannon). He is also survived by his seven younger siblings and their families, numerous nieces and nephews, his mother, Marie, and five grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Safe Haven Humane Society (https://www.shhspets.com/Welcome-Home.html) or Portland St. Patrick’s Athletic Association.

The family of the late William Schrauben, Jr. of Portland, MI, invites you to a celebration of his life on August 14, 2021 at 4 PM at the Red Mill Pavilion in Portland. It was Bill’s wish that his family gather in an informal setting to eat, drink, and share memories of his life. Now that we can once again gather safely together, we aim to do just that. A short memorial presentation will be made at 4:30 PM, and dinner will be served afterward. If possible, we ask those who will attend to share a story or photo beforehand that will be presented during the memorial.

Event: Celebration of Life for William Schrauben

Where: Red Mill Pavillion (350 N. Water St., Portland, MI)

When: August 14, 4-6 PM

Email photos and stories to Joel Schrauben (jschraub@gmail.com) by August 1st,  or bring them to the memorial to share!

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