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William Siegel Obituary
Bill Siegel brought his deep, strong heart to everything that interested him, and widely shared his wisdom, whip-smart humor, and keen insights. A father who was thrilled by and committed to his two kids, Louie and Johanna, Bill was also a brilliant filmmaker, educator, storyteller, interlocutor, teacher, mentor, activist and life-long friend to an impossibly large number of people.
Bill was predeceased by father Richard, mother Libby, and infant brother David, and in addition to children Louie and Johanna, he is mourned by sisters, Ellie (William Warren) Siegel, Janet Ha, Margie (Scott Horne) Siegel; his former wife, Lauren Goffen, partner Kim Wade, and seven nieces and nephews, each of whom, like Bill's countless friends, relished a unique and profound bond with him.
Bill earned a B.A. in history from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and an M.S. degree at the Columbia University School of Journalism. An internationally acclaimed, award-winning documentary filmmaker, he made The Weather Underground and The Trials of Muhammad Ali while holding down a demanding day job with the Great Books Foundation, where he served in roles ranging from Trainer to Vice President of School Programs. Bill will be remembered for his kindness and generosity, charm, ferocious curiosity--and for his vast pleasure in being alive.
Service Saturday night, December 15th, 6:00 p.m. at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd., (at Niles Center Road) Skokie. A gathering will follow the service. For charity information, including contributions to Bill's childrens' college education, please visit www.cjfinfo.com for updated information. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals – Skokie-Chapel 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
Memories and Condolences
for William Siegel
4 Entries
Casey DeMarais
December 19, 2018
It is with profound sadness that we learn of Bill's passing. He was a bright light, generous, and kind. It was a pleasure to work with him on numerous projects at the Minnesota Humanities Center over the last few years. On behalf of the staff here, we are so very sorry for your loss. We celebrate a life well lived. He was one-of-a-kind. I deeply regret the next project he and I discussed will remain unfinished.
In sorrow,
December 19, 2018
Remembering your great love story today and always.
Bob Spiegelman
December 14, 2018
I had a tough-love boss/mentor with hiring this brilliant light of a man in one of his early film years in NYC on Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story, some of which kinda made it to the air on Turner TV. "My" Bill was so fertile, so irrepressible, so dots-connecting a researcher that who could be his "boss" -- not me! We were too alike; but god I respected his brainpower and enthusiasm. Even then, Bill had horizons beyond mine to conjure and explore, a maturing vision of his own, and so thankfully he had some time to so brilliantly explore it and finish films - a major achievement - and such lasting films at that. He generously told me at a NYC premiere of his "Ali" that "Bob, we did it." Billy, you did it. It is now my heartfelt honor to be assigning Bill's film(s)to my upcoming university film classes; to remember Bill and celebrate his vision and his craft. I can't yet imagine that he's gone; and can only keep his memory and ethos alive in my heart; and to know that, with our own Sam Green, we had a unique time and team and bond together. I'll always more than be thanking Bill for including my name as a remembrance in his film credits. I'll do the same with his films in my classes and any films I still get to do. Oh, Bill Siegel - Presente!!!
Jack &Sheila Marks
December 14, 2018
Our hearts are wth you and our arms embrace you with our deep sympathy .
Love, Jack, Sheila and Family
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Memorial Events
for William Siegel
Dec
15
Service
6:00 p.m.
Chicago Jewish Funerals
8851 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077-2224
Funeral services provided by:
Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224
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