William Rockelmann

William Joseph Rockelmann, 83, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, in Libertyville, Illinois, surrounded by the love of the family he cherished above all else.

Born on August 9, 1942, in Evanston, Illinois, Bill was a lifelong Chicagoan at heart — which meant loyalty, resilience, and unwavering devotion to his faith, his profession, his teams, and most of all, his family.

Bill was the beloved father of Eva (Allan Javier), Tina Ashbeck, Annemarie (Mark Ranallo), and Mike (Colleen Keating) Rockelmann. He was a proud grandfather to Danielle, Gabrielle, Amanda, Lexi, Maddy, Anthony, Andrew, Sean, Jonmarc, Colin, Bella, and Arianna. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Logan, Isla, and Owen. Bill is survived by his siblings John Rockelmann, Mary Kopeny, and Tom Rockelmann. He was preceded in death by his sister Diane and his parents, John and Adele Rockelmann.

Bill attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview and graduated from Notre Dame High School. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a law degree from Loyola University of Chicago. As a CPA for many years, he built a respected career in accounting and finance that spanned nearly fifty years. He was still working the day before he passed — a testament to his discipline and love of his craft.

Numbers were not simply his profession; they were part of who he was. If it could be counted, cataloged, or reconciled, he had a spreadsheet for it. He also generously shared that love, teaching accounting at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management for over 25 years and influencing countless students through discipline, clarity, and high standards.

Though serious and reserved by nature, Bill had a dry, quiet sense of humor that surfaced at just the right moment. Beneath that calm exterior was unwavering loyalty. If he stood by you, he stood by you fully. He showed his love not through grand gestures, but through steady presence, thoughtful advice, and quiet confidence. You always knew he was in your corner.

His family never had to question his love — they saw it in his steady presence at countless events and games, attentive and proud. He celebrated not only achievements, but the strength, character, and resilience his children and grandchildren showed as they grew, believing fully in who they were becoming.

Even in his final months, Bill’s focus remained on his family. He loved watching Bella’s basketball games and proudly told the nurses when she was playing. The night before he passed, the family gathered to watch Bella’s basketball game, a simple but meaningful moment that reflected exactly where his heart remained.

Bill’s loyalty extended beyond family to his beloved Chicago sports teams. A devoted Cubs fan throughout his life, he took immense joy in witnessing their historic World Series win. As a Bears fan, he remained ever hopeful since 1985—a reflection of his enduring optimism.

Bill lived simply, worked diligently, and stood firmly beside the people he loved. His life was not loud or flashy, but it was steady and deeply meaningful. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength that will anchor his family for generations.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Loyola University Gannon Scholarship Fund, the Loyola University “Worship, Work, Win” Fund, Chicago Cubs Charities, or a charity close to your heart.

Honoring Bill’s wishes, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.