Photo courtesy of Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C. - Lemont
Jun 30, 1941 - Dec 23, 2024
Our neighbor Bill will be greatly missed. He always had some fun comment, or encouraging words when we ran down the street. I loved his positivity and energy. The angels are lucky, and he probably has them all singing or exercising.
Lee & Wendy Underhill
June 14, 2025 | St Petersburg, FL | Neighbor
Mr. Erklin was my art teacher at Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, but what he taught was far greater than art, he taught life lessons which I'm forever grateful.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Thank you Mr. Erklin
C.H.S.A.S Class of 1994
Jason Baines
January 06, 2025 | Shorewood, IL | Student
Mr. Erklin recognized my talents and value as a very troubled teen.
I realized through his validation that I could be someone and not a failure.
Although, my art was not my eventual career, I did use what I learned to creatively problem solve in healthcare, which became my true calling.
Thank you. Mr Erklin.
Curie H.S. Class of 1980
Patricia
January 05, 2025 | Chicago, IL | Student
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories as you celebrate a life well lived.
Pete Jones
January 05, 2025 | Cary, NC | Friend
I taught just a room away from Bill, Room 308, at the Kennedy H.S. Bill was an art teacher with my brother in-law Tom Prendergast. My sympathies to the Erklin family.
Don Wiberg
January 03, 2025 | Frankfort, IL | Coworker
MY FRIEND BILL ERKLIN AND I SHARED MANY LEARNING EXPERIENCES ON FIELD TRIPS WITH OUR STUDENTS, AT CHSAS . OUR PRAYERS TO BILL AND HIS BELOVED FAMILY.
Elton Ellzey
January 02, 2025 | CHICAGO MT GREEN WOOD, IL | Coworker
Thank you Mr. Erklin for the joy of making Art fun and forever a part of my Life. Class 84
Teresa Echeverria
January 01, 2025 | Lyons, IL | Student
Bill was a great teacher and friend. He will be missed for his warmth and humor. Our sincere condolences to Connie and the whole family. Love and prayers to you all.
Jackie & Leo Sterk
January 01, 2025 | Friend
A great friend during the the years at Curie Driver Ed.
Dennis O’Boyle
January 01, 2025
William J Erklin III (Bill), beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on June 30, 1941, Bill’s life was a testament to passion, dedication, and love.
Bill shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Connie. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising three children: Billy, Casey (wife Shannon), and Ryan (wife Bella). He was a proud and loving grandfather to five grandchildren: Riley, Teagan, Finley, Adeline, and Quentin, who will always cherish his warmth, humor, and wisdom.
For 35 years, Bill was a pillar of the Chicago Public Schools, shaping countless lives as a dedicated teacher at Kennedy High School, Curie High School, and the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. He left an indelible mark on his students and colleagues, inspiring curiosity and a love for learning.
Beyond the classroom, Bill’s life was rich with creativity and activity. A lover of music, dancing, and art, he found joy in every note and brushstroke. A passionate athlete, Bill ran ten Chicago Marathons, exemplifying endurance and determination. As a baseball player and coach, he shared his knowledge and love for the game, leading his team to a City Championship, a proud accomplishment in his life.
Bill’s warmth, kindness, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the lives of his family, friends, students, and in the countless memories he created with those around him.
Memorial Visitation Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 4 – 9 p.m. at Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C. 108 Illinois St. Lemont. Memorial Service Friday, January 3, 2025, 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
Rest in peace, Bill. You will forever be in our hearts.
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