William Wackerlin

Wackerlin, William G. 96, of Aurora, passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Presence Fox Knoll. He was born May 13, 1917 in Aurora, Illinois. When Bill was 16 years old he worked one year in Melon, Wisconsin driving a log hauling truck for the W.P.A. He returned home and purchased his first dump truck. He soon purchased a second truck and put them both to work hauling for the W.P.A. in the Aurora area. Over the years he expanded his fleet to eight trucks. In 1947 Bill bought into Fox Valley Gravel Co. His partners were Walt Muller and Hine Leopard. In 1949, he sold out of the gravel business and went to work selling Ford cars and trucks at Aurora Motor Sales. He was the truck manager and won many awards for his salesmanship, including becoming a member of the Ford 500 Club. In 1953, Bill opened a used car lot on South Lake St. called Tru Value Motor Sales. Bill and his sons operated the business until 1972. Bill then took time off to study for his GED test and his Real Estate License. He went to work for Bob Crane Reality, and later worked for George Babos Reality until his retirement. Over the years, Bill bought and sold several farms. He developed Wackerlin's first and second subdivisions in Yorkville, IL. Bill was a lifelong Aurora resident and a member of Annunciation Church, the parish council for Annunciation Church, and was a lifetime member of the Aurora Moose Lodge #400. Bill will be missed by his family and all the friends he made over his many years. Survivors include three sons, Clifford (Patricia) Wackerlin of Yorkville, Franklin (Nancy) Wackerlin of St. Charles and William M. Wackerlin of Aurora; two stepsons, William (Lorraine) Draudt of Aurora and Wayne (Mary Ann) Draudt of Orland Park; eight grandchildren, Christine (Doug) Kiest of Sandwich, Vicky (Chuck) Oehler of Brodheadsville, PA, Scott (Krista) Wackerlin of Hampshire, Jeff Wackerlin of Concord, NC, Thomas Wackerlin of Chicago, Brock (Laura) Wackerlin of Stockton, Drew (Jen) Wackerlin of Metamora and Jamie (Dave) Hinkel of Sussex, WI; three step-grandchildren, Donald (Amy) Draudt of Clarendon Hills, James Draudt of Orland Park and Jennifer (Brian) Scully of Chicago; nine great-grandchildren, Ryan and Haley Kiest, Lucas, Logan, Ella, Avery and Brynn Wackerlin, and Carter and Avery Draudt; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 35 years, Pauline (Jakosh) Wackerlin; three sons, Jerome, George and James; his second wife of 33 years, Katherine Wackerlin; his daughter-in-law, Melissa Wackerlin; his parents, George and Marie (Zigg) Wackerlin; two brothers, Ralph and Ernest; four sisters, Norma Kristian, Georgianna Brown, Pearl Schoger and Delphine "Dottie" Thom; and his brother-in-law, Victor (Helen) Jakosh. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 22, 2013 from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY at 9:30 AM to Annunciation Church at 10:00 AM. Fr. Patrick Gillmeyer, O.S.B. will officiate with interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, June 21, 2013 from 3:00 PM 8:00 PM, with the Rosary being recited at 6:30 PM, at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora. 630-631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com to leave condolences for William's family or sign the guest book. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in William's name may be made to Presence Fox Knoll or to Seasons Hospice.