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William Lee Wesselhoff
Born: May 24, 1954
Died: March 7, 2019
William Lee Wesselhoff, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on March 7, 2019.
William "Bill" was born in Moline IL on May 24, 1954 to Nancy (Dingler) Wesselhoff and John "Jack" Wesselhoff. He attended grammar school at the Lab School in DeKalb and was a 1972 DHS graduate. He served actively in the U.S.Navy from 1973-75 and was honorably discharged from the Naval Reserves in 1979. He attended Kishwaukee College and NIU graduating from them with an associate degree and Bachelor's in Journalism, respectively. Bill was known as a newspaper man having dedicated his life's work to journalism. His body of work included careers at Sycamore News, The Daily Chronicle ('82-'97), The Burlington Hawkeye, The Florida Times Union, and The Kings Bay Periscope. The majority of his work was editorial and dedicated to his beloved local sports beat. In 1982 he won the Illinois Investigative Reporter of the Year by United Press International for his work on uncovering a local, fraudulent headstone scheme.
He was an baseball fan, particularly of the White Sox. He had fond memories of playing in a 16" softball league.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Heather (Ethan) Bakken; granddaughter, Katherine; brother, David Wesselhoff; dear friend, Bob (Vicki) Favre; dear friend, Jim Matekaitis; cousins, Mazie and Sam Ruzic; Aunt Carol (Bob) Jerman; Aunt Lois Dellinger; and many others who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Nancy Wesselhoff; and his brother, Gregory Wesselhoff.
A small private ceremony will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in the summer in DeKalb-date pending.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Think of you often my friend. Miss you. RIP
Paul Kallembach
Friend
March 7, 2021
I've known Bill for 46 years beginning with our service aboard the USS Portland LSD 37. Bill was a good friend and shipmate and I have fond memories of our reunions over the years, most recently in Navarre, FL last year. He will be missed, but he's in a better place now. God bless him.
Mike Kuehn
April 9, 2019
So sorry to hear this news. I smiled at a recent message from Bill on Facebook recalling our late nights on the Daily Chronicle sports desk. Such fond memories of those days. His passion for the local sports scene and his community was unsurpassed. I, like others, was drawn to his carefree and good-hearted character. When my dad passed away, one of the first condolence messages received was from Bill. I had hoped for the day when I could sit down with him to catch up and reminisce. Today, a heavy heart offers comforting thoughts to Bill's family and hopes a sun-drenched ball diamond engulfs Bill in his eternal rest.
Dave Rossdeutcher
March 17, 2019
Bill was wonder man a good neighbor and a good friend and will be missed our thoughts and prayer to the family and bill many friends - Mike Lewit and Jacqueline Jenkins
March 15, 2019
My condolence, friend to all the world has lost a kind, intelligent, humorous and wonderful man. He will be greatly missed by many who's lives he's touched.
Paul Kallembach
March 15, 2019
Had a lot of Fun times with Wes. Played for years in 16 inch softball with him. Met him in Vegas for my father's Navy reunion & had a blast. Always kept in touch when he was in Florida & talked Football & White Sox baseball. I even have old Chicago Bears photos he gave to me from the 1970s & 1980s when he worked the sports beat. We will all miss him. I cannot remember him when he was not happy. Lots of great memories, he will be missed.
John "CARP" Plonczynski
March 15, 2019
Sorry to here of Bills passing. Loved his humor and a down right good guy.
Mike Smoltich
March 14, 2019
Bill was a one of a kind. Very funny and intelligent. We were on the same baseball team at De Kalb high school. God has you now and forever.
Martin Fassig
March 13, 2019
Bill was as nice a guy as you will ever meet. Always fun to be around. truly one in a million.
Steve Walt
March 13, 2019
to heather:so sorry to hear of your dad's passing he was a friend and teammate we had a lot of good times together and and will be missed by all of us my deepest sympathy to you and your family sincerely, paul "adolph" miller
March 13, 2019
Billie You are a good man and many great memories of you may God Bless you!
Joe Japuntich
March 13, 2019
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