Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1927
DIED
2023
William Cristy Obituary
Born: July 1, 1927 in Woodstock, IL
Died: December 21, 2023 in Ringwood, IL
William N. (Bill) Cristy, age 96, of Ringwood, passed away December 21 at home. Bill was born in 1927 in Woodstock, Illinois, to Kenneth and Clara Cristy.
Bill was a WWII Navy veteran and lifelong farmer. He was happiest when sitting on the seat of a tractor. Over decades of community involvement, he served on boards and committees of the Wonder Lake Harrison School, McHenry FS, McHenry County Farm Bureau, Ringwood United Methodist Church, Ringwood Cemetery, McHenry County FSA (ASCS), Salvation Army, Kiwanis, and the local Pure Milk Association. He was a 4-H leader, Toastmaster, and Habitat for Humanity volunteer.
Bill enjoyed a wide circle of friends in Illinois and Florida. He spent countless winters in Sarasota and learned to love the game of bocce there. Bill enjoyed traveling, and was known to drop in on friends unannounced along his route. That Bill never met a stranger is an understatement. He simply loved being with and talking with people, laughing and telling stories. While sometimes holding strong convictions, he was generous at heart. Bill regularly shared two observations on living a good life: work hard, and always have time to talk to your friends and neighbors.
Bill is survived by his son Larry (Diana), daughter Sherri (Dezeri) DeRaedt; stepchildren Patti Low, Donna (Phil) Crocfer, Linda (Bill) Billikas, Sue Jette, Pam (Dan) Kehoe, Ray (Rose) Low, Tom (Sherry) Low; grandchildren Theresa Turck, Kennedy DeRaedt, Madison DeRaedt, Grant DeRaedt; great-grandson Colton Turck; sister-in-law Mary Lou Cristy; and many other extended family and friends.
He was predeceased by his second wife Doris (d. 2023), first wife Shirley (d. 1996), daughter Terri Anderson, sister Bobette Fossum, and brothers Don, Kenneth, John, and Jerry Cristy.
Due to the weather, services previously scheduled for January 13 will be rescheduled for a later date.
Memorials may be made in Bill's name to the McHenry County Farm Bureau Foundation to build understanding of agriculture through programs like Ag in the Classroom (P.O. Box 1530, Woodstock, IL 60098, or online at https://mchenrycfb.org/foundation).
Online condolences can be made at: https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/11593616.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cristy
6 Entries
Chris Marceille
January 6, 2024
Fond memories of the Cristy Farm and family for several generations! Thank you so much to Cousin Bill for having the WI relatives see the farm and old family connections nearby.
Brian and Wendy Miller
January 6, 2024
We were saddened when we heard of of Bill's passing. What a life he lived. We knew him for many years but had the privilege of getting to know he and Doris better when the moved into our neighborhood. Many laughs and good stories were shared by them. We unfortunately are out of town and unable to attend his celebration of life. We would like to express our deepest sympathy to his entire family. R.I.P Bill
Joe Raycraft
January 3, 2024
Just a great guy, I loved when he stopped by, it was good for some laughs and a reminder of what good neighbors could be. Rest in Peace Mr. Cristy.
Linda Daum (Eppel)
December 30, 2023
My dad, Eugene Eppel, told me that Bill was one of his best friends. Years ago Bill came over on Easter Sunday to help Dad with a dilemma on the farm. I was taking a lemon merengue pie out of the oven, (Bill & Dad came into the house). Bill saw & smelled the hot pie. He asked Dad if he could take a shower at our house so he could stay & have some pie. I remember Bill as being bigger than life & always making us laugh. Rest in peace, Bill. You loved life & made many friends.
How you can show support
Brian McCafferty
December 30, 2023
It was a pleasure to know Bill for so many years visiting him and his family on his farm in Wonder Lake. He had a great sense of humor and was always upbeat. My condolences to his family. Thank you Bill for all of wonderful memories that you have given all of us. Sincerely, Brian McCafferty
Charlie Sowers
December 30, 2023
Known Bill since early 1950´s when I and my family moved to a farm in Ringwood. He and others would arrange for us boys in the area to go to ballgames and events like the golden gloves boxing in Chicago. Much later in his life he and I and others would meet at Busy Bee every afternoon for coffee and a lot of talking. I will sure miss him. Lifelong friend.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Memorial Events
for William Cristy
People and places connected with William
Crystal Lake, IL
Northwest Herald
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Cristy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
