William E. Beitner

William Eugene “Bill” Beitner passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025. He was born to Frederick and Martha Beitner on April 1, 1929 in Plymouth, Michigan, and remained a proud Plymouth resident all of his life. After graduating from Plymouth High School in 1946, he attended the Kansas City School of Watchmaking in Kansas City, Missouri. Upon returning to Plymouth, he began working for Simmon’s Jewelry, while at the same time, his brother Fred was working for Herrick’s Jewelry, also in Plymouth. In 1952, when Simmon’s and Herrick’s went out of business, the two brothers partnered together to form Beitner Jewelry. Their first location was in the “Comfort Station” in downtown Plymouth, and in 1957, they built their own store on W. Ann Arbor Trail where they served the public until 1998 when Bill retired. Fred passed away in 1994.

In 1955, Bill married Elaine Doten. They met at Radio Temple, a church in Royal Oak they both attended. Elaine played the organ and Bill played trumpet for services that were broadcast every Sunday evening. Bill began playing trumpet in sixth grade and became proficient enough to play in the Plymouth Symphony beginning in 1947, the second year of the orchestra’s existence. He remained as principal trumpet for 36 years.

In 1960, Bill began taking flying lessons and earned his private license in 1961, beginning a long love of flying. His instrument, multi-engine, and commercial rating followed soon after.

Also, in 1961, Bill and Elaine bought a house six doors up the street from Bill’s parents, and they lived there together until Elaine’s passing in 2017. Bill continued to live in this house until June 2023 when he moved to Independence Village in Plymouth.

In 1966, their daughter and only child, Marti, was born. Among other things, Bill passed on to Marti his love of flying and love of brass music. He flew her French Horn teacher to the Holton Instrument factory in Elkhart, Indiana to pick out the horn she has to this day.

Bill leaves a legacy of caregiving and service to others. He cared for his father who was bedridden for the last 20 years of his life; he assisted his brother, who was born with spina bifida and then later contracted polio leaving him unable to walk. His kindness toward customers was legendary, and even in his final months, he found ways to do little kindnesses for the staff at Independence Village.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife Elaine (née Doten) Beitner, his parents Frederick and Martha Beitner and his brother Fred Beitner. Bill is survived by his daughter Marti Beitner-Miller (Kevin Miller), three granddaughters, Katherine Zhang (Guangtao Zhang), Melanie Hardy (Joshua Hardy), and Laura Flak (Jonathan Flak), six great-grandchildren and five nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will take place at the First United Methodist Church, Ypsilanti, 209 Washtenaw Ave., on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a luncheon at the church immediately following the service. 

For those wishing to make a donation in Bill’s memory, contributions may be made to the Music Program at First United Methodist Church, 209 Washtenaw Avenue, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 or Hospice of Michigan, 400 Galleria Officentre, Suite #400, Southfield, Michigan 48034.

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Church.