William E. Sutterlin Jr.

William E. Sutterlin Jr., age 83, of Manhattan, Illinois, passed away on November 22, 2025.
He is survived by his loving family: daughters Catherine (Jeffery) Braxton and Sandra (Robert) Shepard; granddaughters Elizabeth (Steve) Hatsman and Casey Braxton; grandsons Timothy Shepard and Alexander Braxton; and one great-granddaughter, Arlene Shepard.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, William lived there until he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, proudly serving from 1960–1964. During his service, he received awards for outstanding performance of duty and later continued his commitment to the Coast Guard through the Reserves.
After working in construction and roofing, he found his lifelong calling in the fire protection industry. In 1970, he founded Advanced Fire Protection, where he served as Owner and Operator, designing and installing fire suppression systems. He held a NICET IV designer certification for Water-Based Systems Layout and contributed designs for a wide range of applications including educational systems, warehouses, cooler and freezer storage, retail, special hazard systems, dry sprinkler systems, fire pump and tank setups, residential systems, and many other projects. His work protected countless lives and properties over the course of his career. In the midst of these feats and his time with AFP, William became an acrobatic pilot, loved flying and built two airplanes: Pitts S-1S and Christian Eagle biplanes.
Outside of his profession, William enjoyed the simple and meaningful pleasures of life: listening to blues and jazz music, cheering on Chicago sports teams, tending to his vegetable garden, caring for his property, planting trees, and cutting grass. William and his son James also had a drag race car and competed in many NHRA Racing Events, appreciating the excitement and skill of the sport. He had a lifelong love for animals, especially his loyal German Shepherd companions-Buddy, Ava, and most recently Reign and Bull.
Per his family's wishes, services for William will be held privately.
William will be remembered for his dedication, his quiet strength, his craftsmanship, and the love he had for his family. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.