William Joseph Gallagher, Jr.

William Joseph Gallagher, Jr., aged 88 of Grafton, Wisconsin, formerly of Morton and Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025.

Beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Born June 26, 1937 to William and Helen (nee Robillard) Gallagher in Beacon, New York, he was raised and educated there until the family was transferred to Illinois. Bill graduated from Marquette High School in Ottawa, Illinois with the class of 1954. He furthered his education at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1959. There, he met the love of his life, Patricia L. Hutchings, to whom he was happily married for 55 years.

Together, they created a beautiful legacy through love and faith. Devoted husband, supportive father, and wise grandfather, Bill guided his family with a quiet strength and sage leadership. He was an erudite reader, expert golfer, skilled gardener, sharp euchre and chess player, curious traveler, and patient fisherman. Bill also loved playing basketball and tennis in his younger years. An avid fan of Illini college basketball and football and the LA Dodgers, he enjoyed rooting on his teams. Professionally, Bill spent the majority of his career employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company, retiring in 1999. He held membership with Blessed Sacrament Church in Morton, Immaculate Conception Church in Morris, Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Seneca, and with the University of Illinois Alumni Association.

Survivors include four of his children: Jennifer (Robert) Hercreg of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; Joan Gallagher of Chicago, Illinois; Jeanne (Cameron) Hovenga of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Jane (Patrick) Murphy of Indianola, Iowa. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Emily (Vaughn) Mehler, Jack (Kendall) Hercreg, and Paige Hercreg; Katina (Thomas Stopka) Bolos and Kira Bolos; Daniel and Anna Schellin; Paul, Kate and Megan Murphy; Tristan, Kamrin and Brynn Gallagher; three great granddaughters: Brooke and Kate Hercreg, and Riley Mehler; two siblings: Robert (Judy) Gallagher of Morton, Illinois and Anne Marie (John) Criswell of Punta Gorda, Florida. He also leaves behind daughter-in-law Erin Rudd (Troy) of Trivoli, Illinois, her children Julia, Ariel, Dawson, and Sydney and their families.

William was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Patricia Gallagher, his son William L. Gallagher, his brother Wayne Gallagher and his parents William J. and Helen Gallagher.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Immacualte Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street, in Morris on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Ronald Margherio, and a private inurnment will take place in Riverview Cemetery in Marseilles.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association, Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN), or a charity of choice are appreciated.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share William’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-2500)