William "Bill" John "Bill" Schuh

William John Schuh, 68, of Yorkville, Illinois, formerly of Naperville, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, in Chicago, surrounded by his loving family. Known affectionately as Bill, he lived a life marked by laughter, strength, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 14, 1957, Bill grew up in Wisconsin and Michigan, where he developed a lifelong passion for the University of Michigan, one that would become a central and joyful theme throughout his life. "Go Blue" was never far from his lips, especially on fall Saturdays with a Coors Light in hand, cheering on the Wolverines.

A proud graduate of Stevenson High School in Illinois, Bill was the captain of the football team and a standout pitcher on the baseball team. He attended Arizona State University on a full baseball scholarship before transferring and completing his Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Western Illinois University, later earning a project management certificate from Illinois State. After moving to Illinois, he built a respected and successful career in state government, holding leadership roles at the Illinois Department of Commerce, the Department of Public Aid, and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. He became known nationally for his expertise in Medicaid systems and was widely respected for his leadership, technical knowledge, and ability to build meaningful relationships. Bill later joined CSG Government Solutions as a project manager and client executive, where he helped states across the country modernize systems that served their most vulnerable populations. He retired from CSG after a decade of service, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, trust, and impact in the public sector.

Bill was organized, driven, and deeply generous, qualities that shaped both his professional success and personal life. He was relentlessly hardworking and always brought energy, warmth, and humor to everything he did. Standing 6'4" with a broad frame and an even bigger heart, Bill filled every room he entered, not just physically, but with laughter, leadership, and genuine connection. He loved cooking elaborate meals for family and friends, blasting music while cleaning the house, tackling home and yard projects with tireless enthusiasm, and then unwinding with a cold beer and a game on TV. He was known for his booming laughter, his infamous Fireball rounds at family parties, and for being the first to pick up the check, no matter how many times you tried to argue. Whether at work or at home, Bill had a way of bringing people together, and making them feel seen, supported, and completely at ease.

Above all, Bill was a devoted and loving family man. He loved his family deeply and showed it through his unwavering presence, support, and joy in their lives. He coached teams, attended every game and practice, played catch in the yard, and filled the house with laughter. Known as "Papa" and "Grandpa Bill" to his grandchildren, he was endlessly playful, rolling around on the floor, making silly faces, inventing games, and doing anything to make them laugh. He had a magical ability to connect with kids, which he often credited to the fact that he never fully grew up himself. Whether through a meal he cooked, a joke he cracked, or the sheer fun he brought into a room, Bill made sure the people he loved always knew they were his world. And if you ever received one of his hugs, those big, warm, wrap-you-up hugs, you felt not just the embrace, but how much you mattered to him.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Lauri Parker, his children, Shane (Jacqueline) Schuh, Will (Christina) Schuh, Ryan (Julie) Ratfield, Melodi (Matt) Lau, Kyle (Kerry) Hackworth, and Kelsey (Mark) Patrick, and his cherished grandchildren, Theo Schuh, Raelynn Ratfield, Nolan Ratfield, Colton Lau, Grayson Lau, Henry Hackworth, and Charlotte Hackworth. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy (Claude) Fusaro and Mary Kay (Leo) Edson, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and his beloved pets, Odie, his loyal dog and constant companion, and his sweet and playful cat Cubbie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William James and Patricia Ann (Reddy) Schuh.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter in Naperville, Illinois.

Bill Schuh was the best kind of man, a protector, a provider, a connector, a father, and a friend, a force of generosity and kindness. His memory will live on in every belly laugh, every Michigan win, every act of kindness done in his honor, and every hug that is just a little bigger, because of him. His legacy is the love he gave and the love he inspired. His absence will be palpable, but his presence lives on in the hearts of those who loved him, and no doubt, he is already laughing with loved ones on the other side, greeting all with a warm smile, a big embrace, and a loud, joyful "Go Blue!"