William Edward "Bill" Gooch

William Edward Gooch “Bill” age 85 of Hudson, WI (seasonally) formerly of Litchfield, IL. Passed away August 10, 2025 at home.

Bill was born September 28, 1939 in Litchfield, IL the son of Edward Lawson Gooch and Edith Louise (Thompson)Gooch. He grew up in southern Illinois, graduated from the Springfield, IL High school and attended college at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

Bill graduated as a pilot and worked in the field of Aviation for many years. His expertise was the technical side of aviation along with his experience in leasing and sales. He worked for North Central Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Cessna Aviation, ILFC Aircraft Leasing, and he started and owned a Cessna dealership, The Aeroplane Worx, for several years in the mid-70’s.

Bill enjoyed fast cars, slow boats and he lived aboard his boat for many years, finally settling in Hudson at the St. Croix Marina after spending time in Miami and Fort Myers. He was also a lover of music, playing the saxophone in Jazz and Dixie bands throughout his life. Additionally, he had a lifelong love for dogs and always had a funny story to share about one dog or another. Lastly, Bill was a world traveler spending time all around the world with his work, living in Hudson during the summer and winters in Florida and Argentina.

Preceded in death by his parents; and son Little Bill.

He is survived by his beloved wife Maria “Pia”; daughter Lynda (John – husband) Hartmann; son Scott; 4 grandchildren Grant (Katy-wife), Haley, Thomas and Mary; 2 great-grandchildren Margot and Henry.

Visitation Monday, August 18th 5PM to 7 PM at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson.

Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Litchfield, IL.