William "Bill" Donnelly

William "Bill" Donnelly was born on May 3, 1929. His parents were Andrew and Leta (Dickerson) Donnelly. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Aquin High School as part of the class of 1948. On September 8, 1956, he married Margaret McPeek at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Stockton. Bill served with distinction in the U.S. Army as a member of the 2nd Division during the Korean War, including a tour of duty on the frontlines in Korea. A Freeport native, he worked at Burgess Battery, Fairbanks Morse, and Kelly Springfield Tire Company, from which he retired after a 30-year career. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and a life member of VFW Post 998. He was recognized by many as a good neighbor and was even highlighted by the Freeport Journal Standard for his neighborly deeds. When his sons were growing up, he served as a Cub Scout Cubmaster and a leader of Little League Baseball. In retirement, he enjoyed volunteering at FHN Memorial Hospital and delivering Meals on Wheels. Bill enjoying watching "cowboy" shows and movies and was a particular fan of Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed watching football and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers. But the true joy of his life was spending time with his family and friends. Surviving is his wife of 66 years, Margaret, and his four sons, Andy (Jan) of Chicago, IL, Ed (Helen) of Downers Grove, IL, Pat (Margaret) of Stillwell, KS, and Dan (Julie) of Lisle, IL. He has nine grandchildren Matt (Nikki), Brian (Vickie), Tim (Lexa), Pat (Bethany), Andrew (Melanie), Will (Kim), Erin, Elizabeth, and Mike. He also has five great-grandchildren, Emery, Finn, Kellan, Piper, and Aisling. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles Donnelly, sisters Carolee Cheeseman, Ellene Damasco, and Dorothy Johnson. Memorial gifts may be made to Highland Community College in memory of William Donnelly. Donations will be directed to the William and Margaret Donnelly Family Scholarship. Although neither Bill nor his wife Margaret attended college, they were strong believers in, and supporters of, the benefits of higher education. All four sons graduated from HCC before obtaining additional degrees from various colleges and universities. Funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday October 8, 2022 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Fr. Peter Snieg will officiate. Visitation 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at St. Thomas. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Cemetery Details Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens 2514 IL-26 Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Previous Events Visitation OCT 8. 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (CT) St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 1400 Kiwanis Drive Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Funeral Mass OCT 8. 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM (CT) St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 1400 Kiwanis Drive Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map