William Ronald "Bill" Wess, son of William Vitold (1915-1999) and Elsie (Milsap) (1921-1972) Wess, was born 29 October 1943 Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.  Bill graduated from Okemos High School in 1962. Bill died 19 March 1997 in Michigan. 

After graduating from Okemos High School, Bill matriculated at MSU. He was on the
freshman basketball and baseball teams there. Upon graduation Bill and his bride, Carla,
moved to Albion where Bill taught and coached. In 1970 Bill took a job as a stockbroker,
first in Lansing, then Kalamazoo. In 1981 he and his family (Carla, Billy, and Kim) relocated
to Florida . Still working as a stockbroker, Bill and his family returned to Michigan in 1988,
settling in St. Joseph and living there until he passed away unexpectedly in March, 1997.
--Submitted by Vern Stehman 2012

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Saturday 7 January 1961

BILL WESS BLAZES AS OKEMOS WINS

Williamston, Jan. 7 - Bill Wess, who had made only two field goals in four previous Ingham County league basketball games this season, popped in nine here Friday night to lead Okemos to a 72 to 47 decision over Williamston.

Wess added a free throw for 19 points.

The victory was Okemos' sixth straight and fifth in league competition.

Bill's father was born in Canada and immigrated to Michigan sometime before 1942, the year he applied for change of name and US citizenship.  According to naturalization records William was called Vitold Kwasauskas but he legally changed his name to William Vitold Wess, 1 January 1942.  On 28 November 1942 in Macomb County, William Vitold Wess married Elsie Milsap. William was drafted into the US Army 11 August 1943 and was honorably discharged 22 February 1946. Two children were born to the marriage; William Ronald "Bill" and Mary Ann.