Timothy Woolsey

I.W. Timothy Woolsey, 71, of Plano, IL passed away peacefully at Rush Copley Hospital in Aurora, IL, on October 14th, 2024 with his wife Rebecca by his side.

Tim and his twin brother Thomas were born in Jasper, IN to their parents Wilson and Verneeda (Wilson) Woolsey on July 21st, 1953. After relocating to the Aurora, IL, area Tim attended and graduated from West Aurora High School in 1971. Following high school, Tim held many positions in various fields of work, but his most accomplished career was in the convenience store/fuel industry where he worked as a general manager for the Plano BP Amoco and was well known throughout the northern Illinois area as the founder of the Doughnut Emporium. Tim had the greatest impact on others when his business came to fruition. Through his business his traits of having a strong work ethic, integrity, being detail oriented and hospitality were showcased. He was also lovingly known by many as the “Donut Guy.”

Aside from his career Tim enjoyed many hobbies over the years including hunting, fishing, trap shooting and riding west on his motorcycle. His longtime passion for scuba diving led him to achieving his US Merchant Marine Officer license from the US Coast Guard. Tim referred to himself as Captain Leisure and was a longtime owner and Captain of the Discovery dive vessel. Through his side business Discovery Dive Charters, he guided and inspired other divers towards their passion. It was through this love of scuba diving that he had the opportunity to participate in the building of artificial reefs along the Lake Michigan shoreline for thousands of divers to enjoy underwater marine wildlife. Tim was fortunate enough to be able to share his passion with his best friend, Sam Frank.

Tim is preceded in death by his parents Wilson “Bill” Woolsey and Verneeda Woolsey, and his sister-in-law Rachel (Larrabee) Wright. Tim is survived by his wife Rebecca (Larrabee) Woolsey, son Jason (Jennifer) Woolsey of Geneva, IL, daughters Jaime (Mark) Hassler of Dixon, IL, and Jillian Woolsey of Ashton, IL. Siblings Bonita Woolsey of Aurora, IL, Gwendolyn (Allen) Lawrence of Aurora, IL, Thomas of Aurora, IL, Michael of MI, and Anthony (Diane) of Decatur, TN. Tim was also a proud Grandpa to seven beautiful grandchildren Madalyn, Molly, Ian, Grace, Juliana, Ava and Jacob. 

Tim’s family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks and gratitude to the many doctors, nurses and therapy staff from Rush Copley and Shirley Ryan Ability Lab who aided Tim with grace, empathy and compassionate care during his time of need. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL 60548. A celebration of life will be held immediately after at 1:00 P.M. To keep with Tim’s personality, please come dressed in casual attire.

Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com