William Deininger

Deininger, William John Age 89. At rest Monday, July 4, 2011 at Lakewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Kankakee on September 29, 1921 to the late John and Mary (nee Poole) Deininger, he was a lifelong Joliet area resident. Graduate of Joliet Township High School where he exceled in math, science and sports. He received All Conference in track, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation Bill was signed by the New York Yankees as a catcher. He played baseball for two years with the Sheboygan Indians, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame (1941-42). A WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class V6. He played baseball for War Bonds in Norfolk, VA. (1942-45). In 1946, Bill played for the Binghamton Triplets and the Newark, N.J. Bears. In 1947, he was traded to the Pittsburgh organization and finished the year playing for the Indianapolis Indians. In 1948, he was traded back to the New York Yankees and played for the Beaumont, TX Exporters. Due to a baseball injury, Bill was forced to cut his baseball career short. Retired from Weber Dairy (Prairie Farms) in 1979. Dad scouted for the Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers. Charter member of the Joliet Rivals Club, member of Will County Old Timers Baseball Association and Harwood Post American Legion Post #5. Surviving are his two loving daughters, Annette "Nettie" (Stephen) Horath of Crest Hill and Michele "Mike" (Thomas) Gottfreid of Libertyville, IL; five grandchildren, James (Buffy) Ward Jr., Sean (Jennifer) Ward, Jennifer (Keith) Calkins, Anna and Molly Gottfreid; six great-grandchildren, Logan, Hayden and Devin Ward, Zachary and Adam Calkins, Elizabeth Dunfee-Ward; his sister-in-law, Patricia Coop; two nephews, Ron (late Eileen) and Ed Deininger; two nieces, Kathy (Mark) Luehrs and Sue (Jim) Carey; several great-nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded by his loving wife of 41 years, Nelly (nee McCulloch) Deininger (1992); his parents; two brothers, Leo and Stanley Deininger and one sister, Fern Deininger. Funeral services for William John Deininger will be Monday, July 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. Rev. Mike Hickok officiating. Interment St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy. Memorials in his name to Lakewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Activity Fund would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday 2-6 p.m. at FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500 www.fredcdames.com