William Carl (Bill) Stuef, 86, died in Bradenton, FL on January 12, 2024. He was born in Highland Park, MI to parents William and Anna (nee Hiller) Stuef.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Karl and Donald.
He is survived by his sisters Patricia Simpson and Mary Banfill; his children Susan Shoffstall and husband David; David Stuef and husband James; John Stuef and wife Angela; his grandchildren Charles, Jason, Kelly, Rachel, and six great grandchildren. He was married to Janice Faye (nee Wells) Neiswender from 1958 until 1980.
He was a graduate of Cass Technical High School in Detroit, MI and held a degree in Engineering from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI.
He started his career as an automotive engineer with Chevrolet and American Motors. In 1967, he joined Ford Motor Company where he held numerous engineering and management positions for more than 40 years. He led a series of high-profile projects at Ford that impacted auto design technology. In the 1980s, he led a team that developed the first lightweight graphite vehicle.
In the 1990s, he was Manager of Ford's Vehicle Design and Propulsion Technology Department where he led major innovation projects to test aluminum as an alternative to steel. He was widely quoted in industry publications such as Automotive News and Design News, as well as the New York Times, Newsweek, and other media outlets. After retiring from Ford, he continued as an independent engineering consultant for several years.
He moved to Sarasota, FL in 2016 to be close to family. In addition to his passion for cars, he was an avid reader, led an active lifestyle including exercise and biking, and enjoyed boating, travel, and home projects.
He was a proud and caring father, grandfather, and friend with a sharp wit and optimistic approach to life. He was a generous to numerous organizations and individuals, always looking for opportunities to "pay it forward."
The family thanks the staff of Westminster Memory Care, Manatee Memorial Hospital, and Tidewell Hospice House for their compassionate care.
Services will be private.
Memorial donations may be sent to Quest, Inc. which empowers individuals with developmental disabilities (questinc.org) or Magnify of Central Florida (magnifyfl.org).
