William M. Chance

William M. "Bill' Chance, 80, of Freeport died Tuesday in Provena Saint Joseph Center, Freeport. He was born July 15, 1930 in Salem, Illinois the son of Paul B. and Ruth M. (Mugge) Chance. Bill was a 1948 graduate of Salem Community High School and lettered in football, basketball and track. At The University of Illinois he played football for three years, then entered The United States Marine Corps from November 1951 to November 1953. He was a Korean War Veteran. He returned to The University of Illinois in 1955 and received his masters degree in Education Administration from Southern Illinois University in 1960. He married Eleanor Iske on December 23, 1965. Mr. Chance served as athletic director and coached all sports at Saunemin High School from 1955 to 1958. In the fall of 1958 he arrived at Freeport High School to teach social studies and coached football, basketball and baseball. During the next 32 years he was involved in all areas of athletics, and as athletic director from 1985 to 1990. He served as trainer and taped ankles of boys and girls for all sports. He approached teaching and coaching with the idea of making that area fun as well as a learning experience. He was loved and respected by many. Mr. Chance was awarded The Pat Holmes in 1998. He served as NIC 9 Secretary-Treasurer for 12 years. He served as President of The Freeport High School Fans Club for 10 years. He was inducted into The Salem Community High School Hall of Fame for football 1946-1947 and basketball 1947-1948. He was a member of Saint John United Church of Christ , Freeport Lions Club, (past president) AMVETS, American Legion, Elks Lodge, Alpha Sigma Phi and 35 and older Softball League. After retirement in 1990, he offered his assistance at helping to coach football until 2002. He loved fishing at Apple River Canyon and fly fishing the streams. Mr. Chance is survived by his wife. His son, Michael (Susan) Chance of Sterling, Illinois. His grandchildren , Jordan Elaine and Carter William and many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt and uncle Sara Margaret Chance and Lester Taylor, Nelly (Paul) Taylor and Rupert Mugge. Memorial service for Mr. Chance will be Wednesday, June 22, 10:30 A.M. at Saint John United Church of Christ, Freeport. Visitation will be Tuesday, 3:00-7:00 P.M. in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home Freeport and from 9:30 until time of service Wednesday in the church. Burial will be at 1:30 P.M Wednesday in Fairmount Cemetery, Polo, Illinois. A memorial has been established in his name and also for The Freeport Community Public School Fund and Saint John United Church of Christ. Please sign the online guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.