William F. Wright

William (Bill) Fraser Wright, age 78, of Rockford, IL passed away
suddenly on December 13, 2024 after a short battle with lung cancer. He
was born in Melrose Park, IL to James and Mildred (Millie) Wright. He
graduated from Proviso East High School in 1965 and married the love of
his life, Arlene Grafstrom in October of 1967, who preceded him in death
in 2022.
Arlene was the focus of his life and the two spent 54 wonderful years
together. The love they shared was an inspiration to all who witnessed
it. It was a love we all strive to have with our partners. They loved
spending time camping, travelling the world with their art business,
listening to music, and in his later years Bill developed a love for
building Lego. Bill was a softie at heart, watching Days of Our Lives
and loving the partnership of Steve and Kayla. "Lady in Red," a song
from the soap opera love story became one of his favorites. He routinely
sent his daughter sappy love songs to make her cry, and she in turn
would send one back. His love of football and the Dallas Cowboys was
shared with son Jim and filled Sundays during football season. Many will
recall Super Bowl parties full of family, friends, and food. Bill always
thought of others and made every effort to compliment and thank everyone
he came in contact with. None held his heart like the love of his life,
Arlene, though, and upon her death his world shattered.
Bill is survived by his cherished family including beloved dog Sushi,
children James (Jim) Wright (Heidi Cochran) and Sheri (Jamie) Fassett,
as well as grandchildren Hunter (Hailey) Fassett, Jonah Fassett, and
Caleb (Ashley) Fassett, his sister Geraldine (Ger/Gerri) Kappel, brother
in laws Roy (Dee) Grafstrom, Don Grafstrom, Gerry Grafstrom, sister in
laws Maryann (Chuck)Romano, Barbara Grafstrom, and Kathy (Wally)
Bochonko, and oh so many nieces, nephews, and their children. All of
these he loved and touched deeply. Special thanks go out to Dr. Dhilon,
nurse Petra, his two "Ensure twin" nurses Dominique and Victoria, and
critical care nurse Tessa at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center with whom
Bill and family bonded during his last days.
Please join us celebrating both his and Arlene's lives in a Celebration
of Love on Saturday, January 4, 2024, between 1 and 4:00 pm at Dickerson
& Nieman Realtors office 6277 E Riverside Blvd. Rockford, IL. Signs will
be posted directing visitors to the side entrance. Snacks, refreshments,
and memories will be shared.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of William F. Wright, please visit our floral store.