William Rehling

1940 - 2025

William Rehling

December 22, 1940 - March 30, 2025

St. Jacob, Illinois - William "Bill" Robert Rehling, age 84 of St. Jacob Illinois, died peacefully at his home Sunday, March 30th, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Bill was born on December 22, 1940, in Granite City to William and Neola Rehling (Luster).

Following the divorce of his parents, he was raised in Millstadt, Illinois by his father and beloved stepmother, Violet "Patsy" Freida Rehling. Bill graduated from Belleville Township High School and attended Rolla School of Mines. He worked for four decades at American Steel as a Senior Project Engineer. He met the love of his life, Dorothy "Dottie" Muñiz in 1976. They were married on June 18th, 1982. Together, they blended two families and raised five children. Bill and Dottie traveled the world cruising to all continents. An avid hiker, he and Dottie spent their Summers, after retirement, living in Utah where they explored the beauty of the American West. Bill also had many interests. In addition to being an avid bowler, he enjoyed restoring antiques. He loved model trains and was an accomplished photographer.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, as well as a son, William "Billy" Rehling.

Surviving to cherish his memories are his wife of 42 years, Dorothy Muñiz Rehling (nee Sampson); his children: Denise (Ed) Doolin of Carlinville, Illinois, Michael (Dawn) Rehling of the Virgin Islands, Dawn Byrd of Palm City, Florida, Raymond (Trina) Muñiz of St. Jacob, Illinois, and Mikeiel (Carla) Muñiz of Marine, Illinois; grandchildren: Rachelle Laws, Nicholas Muñiz, Abbey Muñiz, Jeromy Rehling, Camron Rehling, Bransen Byrd, Colten Byrd and Hadyn Jackson; great-grandchildren: Paxton Ostergaard and Grayson Rehling; brothers: Tom (Elizabeth) Rehling and Terry (Trish) Rehling; a sister, Laura Alley; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He will best be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In his last act of kindness and generosity, Bill was a tissue donor.

Per his wishes, a celebration of life will be held from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13th, at The Greenhouse of Highland ,1619 Papin St., Highland, Illinois.

Memorials can be made to Hope Animal Rescue of Godfrey, Illinois and may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 North Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com