William C Weber

Linda and I would like to offer our deepest condolences to Charlene and family. We were fortunate to have met and spent time with the Webers over the past number of years during their Spring Training visits in Arizona.
After reading the many tributes and memories shared here, I am aware that Bill has always been a very special individual! I wish I had known him sooner. We spent many a day at the ballpark or over a meal talking baseball and sports and trivia and the like. We truly cherished our times together.
Bill will be missed by many including myself, but I am so thankful our paths crossed.
God Bless you Bill.
Rest in peace.

Linda and Randy in Tucson

I´m so sorry for your family´s loss. Bill is a great mentor, friend, and teammate. He is someone I always looked up to and he always had a kind word of encouragement or a joke for anyone that needed it. He touched so many lives as a teacher and in all of the other roles he took on. I´m sure the first thing he heard waking up in heaven was "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Bill Weber was my mentor. As a young LHS math department supervisor in the late 90´s, Bill and Pat S took me under their wise wings. Bill valued people over process. Kindness over bitterness. Positivity over cynicism. We moved together to VHHS where he led an outstanding English department - he had a knack for hiring the best. Bill was a VHHS `original´ and a foundational leader in the early years of one of the best high schools in the country. Bill will be missed.

So sorry to hear this. Coach Weber was a great teacher, coach, and friend. He was one of my favor teachers at LHS. He will be missed.

John LaRoi. Class of 1980

Bill was a wonderful man to talk to about the world, baseball, literature, and of course, that greatest sport, handball. I, along with many others, will miss his kind and smart presence.

Bill and I 1st met in Kindergarten at Whittier grade after our 2nd grade e ded I enrolled at Hyde Park school. We were reunited in junior high at Daniel Webster and we remained friends our whole life. I will miss Bill till I die. One great human being. RIP.

What can one say about a former boss, colleague, and friend that will do justice to his legacy? Words will always fall short when attempting to pay a proper tribute to Bill. When I began my teaching career at LHS, Bill was the department chair. His friendly encouragement and guidance helping me address and navigate pedagogical matters early in my career greatly impacted my approach to teaching; he gave me the freedom to create and hone my own style. I'll especially be grateful for the many insights Bill shared about the literary giants we studied and how their linguistic artistry brought to life the eternal struggles all humans face on a daily basis. I attribute my love for the written word in large part to Bill Weber. He understood on a very deep level the transformative nature of language, that Twain is exactly right when he stated, "The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter-'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." Above all else, however, Bill was a thoughtful, caring soul who truly wanted what's best for all. I will never forget a pearl of wisdom Bill once shared that, I believe, embodies the essence of his attitude towards the art and craft of teaching: "Always remember, teaching is not merely a job; it's a calling." Thank you, Bill, for making my life so much richer. Rest in peace, my friend.

Bill and I were classmates at Waukegan High class of 1963. We were also teammates on the wrestling team, the states absolute best. We called ourselves the Golden Wave. Bill and I were very close in school and we kept that friendship all these years. He was a joy to be around and one of the most positive people that I ever have ever known. We worked out together at the Centre Club in Gurnee and at the Field House in Waukegan. He always had that great smile every time I saw him.
I always affectionately called him Willy and we´ll always miss him.

So many memories of Bill have entered my thoughts these past few days. And with each another smile.
I will hold especially close the moments we shared during the annual Weber Spring Training pilgrimage to Arizona. Sitting in the stands reminiscing about former colleagues and students, revisiting the genius of Faulkner and Steely Dan, and trying to spin a hopeful scenario for the current White Sox lineup...a hot dog and beer never tasted better.
My life is so much better for having known Bill Weber. He touched so many lives. We are so lucky.

Bill was always quick with a joke, a smile and encouragement for anyone he happened upon in the halls of LHS and VHHS. I had the pleasure of knowing him at both schools. He was a mentor and friend to many. My deepest condolences to his family
Pam Dircks (LHS/VHHS Social Studies)

I first met Bill in 1986 when he brought his Waukegan Handball Team to Oak Park to play my team in the Chicago Metro Handball League. We were competing captains and fierce rivals. We also became good friends... but not until 15 minutes after the match ended. More than once, he would growl at me when we first left the court ..."Don't talk to me."
He won some and I won some. Then we would have a beer (or 2) at Goldy's in Forest Park or Louie's in Waukegan.
Bill had the gift of curiosity which made him a great teacher and coach. He would ask all the handball players about their backgrounds, families and interests and the next time he would see them it was clear that he remembered.
One year, Bill and I agreed to play as doubles partners in the Milwaukee Handball Classic. That didn't work out so well... probably because we had played against each other for so long.
Bill took me to Brewers games and I took him to Cub games. He had an infectious smile and a great laugh. He will be missed.
Bill, when I join you in the afterlife, I know you will have found a handball court wherever we are. We will -- Get It On! once again!

Bill hired me in 1998, and so much of who I am as a teacher--and
learner--I am because of his mentorship. He will be sorely missed, but he will forever be a part of LHS and VHHS: his legacy echoes through all of us whose lives he made better. My sincerest condolences to the Weber family.

Karen (Schnobel) LeMaistre, LHS

Bill and I go back to our high school days around 1962. Bill and I started playing softball together at first Presbyterian Church along with Steve and Rick and Mike and Fred and another Steve: We played together for about 20 years. We loved every moment being together for our social and communal brotherhood. Charlene along with our wives really loved each other. I will miss Bill.
Scott Flaig

Bill and I met on a handball court 45 years ago. I could tell that he loved the game of handball that first game. Through the years, I played against him and I played with him as a playing partner in pickup games. We were also teammates on our team that we had in the Chicago Land Traveling League. We played every Tuesday night from October until March.
He was a competitor on the court and a gentleman off the court. We usually got something to eat and "rehydrate"after our match, Bill´s favorite stop on the circuit was Oak Park so we could go to Goldie´s so Bill could order a Goldieburger.
I remember Bill usually had a sports trivia question for us every time we played..He wouldn´t tell us the answer, so we had to figure it out.
Rest in peace,Bill.
You will be missed
Tom Gack

I have known Bill for the last 25 years via our handball group and he has always been kind and a true gentleman.
Just one bit of wisdom from Bill: While having a beer after a great evening of handball, I was complaining about being sore or having this or that pains. Bill said (with a smile), Geary, when you get home...ice something.
I remember those simple works to this day and treasure the thought of spending so much quality time with such a wonderful human being. We will miss you Bill.

I was so surprised he recognized me in the hallway of the LHS Centennial after many years (and remembered my writing).  He said that he would never forget me, and I feel the same way about him.  Such an inspirational and one-of-a-kind teacher!

Thoughts and prayers,
Lisa (Kincaid) Daniels and Family
LHS Class of 1978
CLC, Retired and Adjunct Faculty (35th year)
CMPLD (5th year)

The definition of a true gentleman is what defined Bill. As competitive as Bill was, he was one a most gracious winner and never ever a sore loser. Bill brought a sense of responsibility and respectability in his conduct.I am truly grateful to have had him as a friend. See ya on the flip side.
Art

Shocked to hear about Bill's passing. Not that long ago we were talking to each other about the Milwaukee Brewers. Unfortunately I can't make the funeral since we are in Arizona. My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Always enjoyed being with Bill and talking to him. I will miss him.
Pete Flatebo

Mr. Weber was a wonderful teacher from whom I learned lifelong lessons, and he instilled in me a true joy of reading across many different genres. RIP Mr. Weber. LHS class of 1982.

Echoing the thoughts of fellow students, Mr. Weber was a truly inspiring teacher. I still quote him to this day. Sending my deepest condolences-Regina Lemke Mundt, LHS Class of 1981.

Mr. Weber was a gifted teacher and a very kind man. He created a space in his classroom for us nerds to be safe and express ourselves. His is the only English class I´ve ever done a sword fight in! I will always remember him with fondness and gratitude.

Nate, I am deeply saddened to learn about your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. If you need support or any assistance with the Social Studies Team, I am here for you.

With heartfelt condolences,

Tara Thomas Veal
Academic Chair SS
Washington, Campus
Waukegan High School

I had Bill way back in the early 90s at LHS. Truly one of the best teachers I ever had and he had a big impact on a lot of lives. He will be missed. Thinking of his family. May his memory be a blessing.

He was such a good teacher that I still remember his advice. My love to his family. Class of '84

My sincerest sympathies.

I became acquainted with Bill through playing the sport of handball. At the end of a match as we shook hands Bill would always say "thanks for coming" to show his appreciation for the competition and the camaraderie.

I would like to turn that around and say to Bill, "thanks for coming into our lives, immeasurably enriching them with your friendship and example".

From poet Andrea Gibson; "Why did no one tell us that to die is to be reincarnated in those we love while they are still alive?"

Keep Bill´s memory alive. Thanks for coming.

I want to express my deepest sympathy to Charlene and Bill´s family. I met Bill through the game of handball forty years ago. Bill was not only an excellent player, but most importantly a real friend to the fraternity of brothers that play this game.Bill always had a smile on his face and a genuine interest in everyone around him. We all will miss him greatly.
May Bill rest in peace.

D128 lost a fantastic Wildcat and Cougar! I always enjoyed Bill's humor and kindness!!!

Brooke Gabris
Retired 2020

I am sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I knew him as a young boy in the mid-50s and was impressed with his intelligence and athleticisim. In the late 50s, I left Waukegan to serve in the Marine Corps. Since leaving, I often wondered about Bill's future. It is obvious from his obituary that he did exceptionally well.

My sincere condolences to his family and sisters on his loss. May he rest in the peace of God's loving hands.

C.T. Anthony, LtCol. USMC (Ret) San Diego, CA

Bill was one of the finest human beings I ever had the pleasure of knowing and will always remember our time as faculty members at LHS. I winter in Florida so won´t have the ability to pay my respects in person which I regret.
Gary Franzen
Retired in 1994

To the family of Bill Weber,
My sincerest sympathies to you...
I graduated from LHS in 1990, and Bill Weber was both my AP Lit teacher, as well as my department chair when I began teaching at LHS in 1998. In fact, Bill and Pat Somers hired me, and in doing so, they changed my life. I wouldn´t be where I am today-in mindset or accomplishment-if it wasn´t for Bill. He was the best of department chairs, with the philosophy of leader as servant; he was consistently supportive of his teachers, always with a kind word, a guiding tone, and a genuine smile. When I was in AP Lit in high school, my favorite text taught by Bill was Tennessee Williams´s _The Glass Menagerie_ , a text that´s sadly no longer taught much. Much like the glass unicorn, Bill taught with depth, complexity, and magic. He is already missed.
Best to you in this difficult time,
Meredith Tarczynski