William M. Broucek, age 88, formerly of Ann Arbor, Manchester, and Chelsea, MI, passed away on October 17, 2023 in Englewood, FL. He was born November 13, 1934 in Chicago, IL the son of Frank and Alice (Byrn) Broucek. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1956 with a Bachelor's degree in finance. He then served in the United States Army from 1956-1958.
Bill was an innovative banking entrepreneur. He began his long and exemplary career in finance at the National Bank of Detroit, working in the credit department, specializing in commercial loans. He became the bank's first international lender in 1964, and within a few years served as a financial advisor to many colleges and universities in Michigan.
In 1974, he founded the Banking Division of Ann Arbor Trust Company. Bill developed business plans, policies, and procedures that grew capital and bank offices. In 1995 he co-founded the Bank of Ann Arbor, growing the company over a twenty-year period. The bank grew from 15 employees to nearly 100 employees, one office location to five locations, increasing trust assets and deposits, and turned the bank around from losing money to successful yearly profits. As a banker Bill strove to create a bank that served the community and its customers. He took great pride in knowing its customers and helping them achieve their financial success.
His last position was that of Chairman and CEO of Ann Arbor State Bank from 2008-2014, and Executive Chairman from 2013 until he retired. Ann Arbor State Bank opened in 2009, and within the first year became profitable. During the first five years, deposits and assets grew, staff doubled, and since 2010 the bank has been rated a 5-Star bank by Bauer Financial.
In 2011, Bill was awarded an honorary Doctorate degree from Cleary University, and in 2013 he was recognized as Community Banker of the Year.
In addition to his extensive banking career, Bill was deeply involved in his community, whether serving as director, trustee, chairman, or board member, he lent much of his time, talent, advice, to various chapters in Ann Arbor, Manchester, and throughout Washtenaw County. Area banks, schools, hospitals, music societies, the American Heart, the American Red Cross, and Girl Scouts all benefited from his involvement over the years.
Bill was a loving father and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. He enjoyed golfing and was proud that he was on the golf team when he was in the Army. He loved fishing and bird hunting throughout his life. He was an avid Notre Dame fan, often reliving the glory days of attending the University of Notre Dame, where he was the manager of the basketball team as a student.
Bill married Sandra J (Orndorf), and between them they had eight children. They lived in Ann Arbor for many years, eventually moving to Manchester and then Chelsea, eventually retiring to Florida.
Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Sandra, children: Brian (Tina) Broucek of Edmonds, WA, Becky (Terry) Bussineau of Dexter, MI, Hope (Andre Tiffany) Broucek of Seattle, WA, René (Glenn) Schroeder of Port Charlotte, FL, Bill II (Shahnaz) Broucek of Canton, MI, Amy (David Muczynski) Broucek of Grass Lake, MI, and Robin (Scott) Staelgraeve of Chelsea, MI; 18 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; his siblings, John Broucek of Tennessee, Alison Broucek of The Villages, FL, and Karen McNamara of California. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Frank, Jerry, and Richard, and a sister, Elizabeth.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.
The family will receive friends on Monday, October 30, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
