A Virtual Cup of Coffee with Bill Dufek '74
Bill Dufek moved to East Grand Rapids from Ann Arbor after his sophomore year of high school when his father became the athletic director at Grand Valley State University. He was an All-American football player at the University of Michigan and was an NFL draft pick of the New York Jets in 1979. Despite spending only two years at East, he has strong ties to the community.
You can only have one: Rose’s caramel corn, an ice cream cone from Jersey Junction, or a Yesterdog. Which do you choose?
I would choose Rose’s caramel corn. Besides the great caramel corn, I would also be able to soak up the beautiful setting of Rose’s overlooking Reeds Lake.
What was your path from East Grand Rapids to where you are now in life?
After graduating from EGR, I enrolled at the U of M in 1974 and attended Michigan on a football scholarship. After graduation, I was drafted by the New York Jets in 1979. After two years on their injured reserve, I decided to retire from football and go to work. I entered the insurance business in Ann Arbor and owned and operated my agency for 40 years. I retired in September, 2021 and now fill my time traveling with my wife of 44 years, Sheri, and helping with different charities in the Washtenaw County area.
What specific thing did you learn in East that has enabled you to be successful?
I learned how to meet new people in a new school and city and how networking with people from all walks of life can enhance your success.
What were you like in school?
I was an above average student and loved athletics and competing in my sports.
Did you have a favorite teacher or class?
My favorite teacher was probably George Barcheski who was also my football coach. He taught Marriage and Family and Government and made them both excellent classes.
If you had to choose one moment in one location to serve as the signature moment of your East school experience, what would it be?
Well, we were undefeated in football both the years I was there and I was also able to win a state championship in wrestling my senior year.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known then?
How fast life goes and how precious your friends and family are along the way.
Do you stay in touch with many people from East Grand Rapids?
Yes, quite a few. They are lifetime friendships that are very special to me and we are getting ready to come together for our 50th class reunion this coming September.
What advice do you have for young East alums who are just starting out?
Work hard, have fun and take care of your family. Keep all your options open and stay positive in all that you do and be thankful for all your blessings. Also, remember to try to help the less fortunate in your community.
Who else would you like us to have a virtual cup of coffee with?
Brian Caukin EGR class of 1974.
Bonus question: What are you glad we didn’t ask you about?
Can’t really think of anything right now.
