SAGINAW, MI — William “Bill” Vlassis, who owned and operated Bill’s Party Store in Saginaw for more than 60 years, has died.
The Saginaw native and owner of the small business, which was nostalgic for many locals, died Saturday, Aug. 17, according to his obituary. He was 94.
Vlassis owned Bill’s Party Store for six decades before selling it in 2022, although he continued working there until March 2023. The 526-square-foot no-frills party store, located at 2422 Mackinaw St., half a mile from Arthur Hill High School, was considered by some to be a Saginaw landmark. The store was open seven days a week and sold snacks, candy, slushies, groceries and other items. Vlassis and his store manager Jim Foerster stood behind the counter almost every day for decades, serving their customers and neighbors.
Elaine Kingry grew up across the street from the Vlassis family and was the listing agent when the store was put …