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William Roberts Obituary
Born: March 13, 1925; in Fort Wayne, IN
Died: Jan. 23, 2016; in DeKalb, IL
William Joseph Roberts, 90, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016, at home.
Born March 13, 1925, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the son of Norman and Mary Agnes (Loftus) Roberts, Bill married Betty Jean Sortor on May 14, 1949, at St. Monica's in Gary, Indiana.
Bill had a lifelong love for the game of golf. He started his golf career at age 9 when he started caddying. He was a professional golf instructor and held many golf clinics. When he wasn't on the course, he was practicing his putting in the house.
Bill was also a professional basketball player. His basketball career started in high school, carried on through college and ended playing for several professional teams, including the Boston Celtics and the St. Louis Bombers. He attended Notre Dame, then transferred to University of Wyoming, where he was a member of the fraternity Sigma Alfa Epsilon.
He worked for Reynolds Aluminum in McCook, Illinois, retiring in 1973 to Indiana, where he and his wife opened a Dairy King and later BJ's Confectionary. They lived for a while in Betty's home state of Texas in Horseshoe Bay, until the couple's move to DeKalb, where he was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty; daughter, Kathleen (Terrence) Ross of Hinckley; grandchildren, Meghan Marshall of DeKalb and Terrence Jr. of Hinckley; great-grandchildren, Sadie, Keelin and Kevyn; and many friends across the country.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 29, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 321 Pine Street, DeKalb, with Fr. Dean E. Russell celebrating. Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery, DeKalb. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mercy Center Home for Boys & Girls, sent to the Roberts Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Roberts
Sponsored by Anderson Funeral Home - DeKalb.
Christine Hacker
January 20, 2021
I sure do miss my visits with Bill and Betty! Their faith, their "adventures", their stories were so wonderful to share. Bill was very good at challenging thoughts and ideas... in a good way! I learned so much from him. God bless you all, the family he loved so much.
chuck jarzynka
February 22, 2016
Bill was a good person he was my boss when I worked there .was always fair.he will surely be missed.
Sue Pelikan
January 28, 2016
Dear Mrs. Roberts,
So sorry for your loss. I'm so glad I got to meet you at church and school when the great granddaughters were at St. Mary School. Apparently you were good role models for Kathleen!
Love,
Sue Pelikan
January 27, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and make you firm. (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17).
Sally Wardwell
January 27, 2016
Dear family, I just know that he is teaching basket ball and golf,in the spirit world.....we've all grown to be better people because of him. Our family sends it's love and will remember him in such a happy way. Love to all, Sally loftus-wardwell-HopkinS
Chris Hacker
January 27, 2016
Bill and Betty have become true friends in Christ for me. I will miss Bill very much, and pray daily for Betty and the family Bill loved so much. I am very sorry for your loss, but am confident that God will grace you with peace and joy once again.
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls
January 27, 2016
On behalf of Fr. Scott Donahue and the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and friends of William Roberts.
May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.
Kathy and Bryan Williamson
January 26, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss of your father, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May he rest in peace
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Anderson Funeral Home - DeKalb2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115
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