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About
William Mennell Obituary
Wilbur was born on December 3, 1950, in Maywood, IL., to the late Frank and Florence (Schuster) Mennell. He grew up in Maywood and graduated from Proviso East High School, class of 1969 and from the College of Dupage in 1975.
He was a Deputy Sheriff for DuPage County in Illinois for a number of years. He was a paid on-call Lieutenant for Warrenville Fire Protection District and later became one of their trustees.
He married Debra Shimp on November 19, 1982, in Wheaton, IL. They made their home in Warrenville, IL., before moving to Mercer, Wisc., after their retirement.
Wilbur is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Debra Mennell; nephew, Frank Mennell III; and nieces, Trisha Mennell and Carly Mennell.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dennis Mennell and Frank Mennell Jr.
A Celebration of Wilbur's life will be held in Illinois at a future date still to be determined.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes for Wilbur's family online at www.mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com
The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, Mich., to honor Wilbur's legacy of life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Phillabaum
February 24, 2025
Wilbur- it has been two years and you are still sorely missed. The stories about you and you and your "Wiley Billy goat " report and your Air Force white "Mickey Mouse" arctic boots still result in much laughter. I hope you are somewhere catching 12 lb bass and smoking a good cigar.
John and Ann Schroeder
April 23, 2023
Dear Deb,
John and I were so shocked and saddened to learn that Bill passed away. He was such a kind and funny man; when we read his last Christmas letter we laughed out loud all the way through. We so enjoyed spending time with both of you, especially on the MG train trips and the Wine, Cheese, and Beer Tours. The Wrong Way sign that Bill and everyone else signed after the first WCB Tour hangs in our garage.
We hope that you are doing reasonably well, all things considered, and that you have support from friends and family. I´m sure that you are inundated with hundreds of tasks, large and small.
Again, please accept our deepest sympathies, and I hope that our paths cross again in the near future.
Fondly,
John and Ann
Ron & Peg Hoinowski
March 6, 2023
Deb, The news of Wilbur's passing has really hit us. Please know that you & Curtis are in our prayers. We will always treasure our times with you & Wilbur: Those
great conversations in the back of the coach; his kind willingness to help others; his cheerful light-hearted demeanor. We will deeply miss and fondly remember him.
Bob Winkler
March 6, 2023
To Deb and your family, you have my deepest condolences for Bill´s passing.
From the first time I met Bill through the Sheriff´s Office I knew he was there because of his desire to serve his community through his compassion for others and dedication to the oath he had taken. How fortunate were those to have Bill respond in their time of need. Always calm, collected and prepared to do what was right.
This carried on past his retirement in his involvement with the Warrenville FPD. As fellow Trustees for our respective Fire Districts, we often worked on solutions to improve safety for residents and our personnel. Paying it forward!
Deb, this seeming loss can never replace the wonderful time you both shared and memories that will carry on through all those who have known you and Bill.
I am confident he has been welcomed with open arms in this transition and beyond!
God Bless You,
Bob Winkler
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Peg & Ron Hoinowski
March 6, 2023
Peg & Ron Hoinowski
March 6, 2023
Peg & Ron Hoinowski
March 6, 2023
Deb, The news of Wilbur's passing has really hit us. Please know that you & Curtis are in our thoughts & prayers. We will always treasure our times with you and Wilbur. Those great conversations in the back of the coach; his kind willingness to help others, his cheerful, light hearted demeanor. We will deeply miss him and will always remember fondly.
Dennis Kurzawa
March 6, 2023
I was shocked to hear of this Deb. I know this is a bad time for you. I am sure you have so many thoughts and memories of Bill. He was a good policeman, and just a great man. Sorry Deb not good at this. I also remember you working in the fishbowl at the old downtown office. He was always capable and was the kind of guy that could show calm when things were bad. He was a gift to all.
Jan and Mark Scherbekow
March 5, 2023
So sorry to hear of Wilbur´s passing.
He was a pleasant trip participant on our Zorn adventures:). Thoughts are with his family.
Ken Short
March 4, 2023
So sorry deb to hear this very sad news I enjoyed your company on the trips and had great fun and laughter with Wilbur he will be sadly missed take care fro. Ken the coach driver
Susanne and Wray Lemke
March 4, 2023
Deb, we are so saddened to learn of Wilbur's passing and wish we could be with you during this time. We remember with gratitude the many trips to Europe that we have taken together over the past 15 years - so many good memories. You two have always been a delight to travel with. Bill, with his amiable ways and welcoming smile, so quick to joke and laugh. Bill and Wray always the strong men, ready to help, be it with luggage or with leading. I always felt so safe with those two around, no matter where we were visiting. So many good memories. You two will always be like family to us. He will be truly missed. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs, Susanne and Wray
Ken and Catherine Elms
March 4, 2023
Debra,
We will miss Wilbur. He was a great guy, warm and generous and so much fun. We have many fond memories of you both, travelling together on Adventures. Out thought are with you and your family. Ken and Catherine Elms
George & Bonnie Kress
March 4, 2023
Sorry to here of your loss. We remember the many Zorn trips we took together. He will be missed.
Mark DePino
March 3, 2023
So sorry for your loss Deb, I met Wilber as a rookie working the midnight shift and always looked up to those older guys. Bill was one of those guys who you never had to worry about. He was fair and honest in everything he did. He never said a bad thing about anyone. He was always smiling and just made you always feel comfortable. What a great guy , people like him just are a rarity. He will be missed by many. It was a great bachelor party!!!
Diane
March 3, 2023
Diane
March 3, 2023
Diane
March 3, 2023
Deb,
We were so sorry to hear about Wilbur. We had such a good time together on the Danube trip, and remember Skye!
Take care,
Love Diane and Steve Kirby
Bob and Janet Kinstle
March 3, 2023
Deb..so sorry to hear about this. We had many good times with Wilbur on our various British car trips. Our thoughts are with you...
Charlie Dastych
March 3, 2023
My thoughts and prayers Deb. I never saw Wilbur mad. Always had a smile and what a model Deputy Sheriff. Wilbur and Scott Hansen taught me about “choir practice,” which meant taking turns at some one’s home after shift at 8am for cold beer and popcorn. If it was nice our the cigars were lit. Wilbur taught me how to use different seasoning to flavor our popcorn. Smokey sure had some very odorous gas, which was hysterical. Until we meet again keep the beer cold, the corn popped and the cigars lit. R.I.P. Wilbur.
Maynard and Carole Hirsch
March 3, 2023
So sorry to hear about Wilbur He was a great man and a wonderful buddy to Maynard and I He will be missed Maynard has great memories from fishing trips to Car meetings. and I have nice memories of Wilbur also. May he Rest in Peace. and Deb our deepest condolences. Maynard and Carole Hirsch
Stephen Dahl
March 3, 2023
We were sorry to learn the passing of Bill. As we all know and acknowledge Bill had a wonderful career as a patrolman with the DuPage County Sheriff´s Office and made many friends along the way. Our condolences to Deb and the entire Mennell family during this most difficult time.
James R Guenther
March 3, 2023
I first worked with Bill " Wilber" on midnights and found that along with his humor he also had the knowledge and personality to do the job. He will be missed by all that knew him. Thoughts and prayers to Deb and the family.
John Phillabaum
March 3, 2023
"Wilbur" was a great deputy and fireman but an even greater friend. He was loved by all who knew him. I had the pleasure of going on some great "adventures " with Bill both on the job and off and will always treasure those memories. Bill had a very big heart and was always willing to help someone in need. He will be missed by many.
Deb, I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Mark Edwalds
March 3, 2023
My condolences to Wilbur's family - gone way too soon! What a pleasure it was working with Wilbur over the many years. Alway fun to be around, and he alway had a kind word for everyone. He will be missed!
Steve Stelter
March 3, 2023
One classy guy. I never saw Bill without a smile on his face. It was a pleasure to work with him, be his supervisor and call him a friend. I will never forget the bachelor party we had at his house after work from midnights, man... lucky we all made it home. Lol
Paul Sahs
March 3, 2023
So sorry Deb. I just saw Wilbur a few weeks ago at the Kohls store in Wheaton. He didn't say that he was heading up to Wisconsin. At least you were able to be together. He was the best partner I ever had.
Craig Grude
March 3, 2023
Bill was always a pleasure to run into no matter where or when. That was really how we knew each other. He was always a gentleman, easy to talk with and relate to. I have nothing but pleasant memories of Bill and I'm very sadden by his passing. I'm very sorry for his loss to all his family and friends. My condolences to all.
Mike Willison
March 3, 2023
Dear Debbie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was an easy going, amazing person who helped everyone. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe Tomanek
March 3, 2023
Dear Debbie:
My deepest condolences on Bill´s passing. Not only did we work together, we were neighbors and I always enjoyed our visits in the neighborhood. Prayers to you!
Wayne Howlett
March 2, 2023
Bill was the kind of person that was not only one of the most professional Sheriff's Deputy I ever had the great pleasure to work with. The most amazing thing about Wilbur was he always made everything look so easy. He was the same person on and off the job. HE WAS JUST A WONDERFUL GUY!
Deb my heart goes out to you and your other love ones.
Dave Swanson
March 2, 2023
It was always nice to stop in with Bill and Deb to watch a John Wayne movie and share in his home brewed beer.
He always put on a great pig roast for the night shift.
He will be missed.
My thoughts are with you Deb,
Dave Swanson
Ron & Shirley Kerstein
March 2, 2023
Never heard a bad word uttered about Wilbur! He was truly one of the great ones! He will be missed greatly!
Scott Hansen
March 2, 2023
Great memories of our shift´s pig roasts at Bill and Debs. And Smoky, their Norwegian Elkhound, had eaten all of Bill´s smelts. He was a great partner and will forever be in our hearts. Scott and Pam Hansen and sons, Erik and Chris (Bill called them Sven and Ollie).
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