William Francis "Bill" Michaux III

1942 - 2025

William Francis 'Bill' Michaux III
Born: October 19, 1942
Died: October 22, 2025
William Francis "Bill" Michaux III, 83, of Byron, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on October 22nd, 2025. A celebration of life service will take place at United Church of Byron on May 30th, 2026, at 10am with visitation, service, and a light lunch to follow.
Born in Rockford, IL on October 19th, 1942 to William Francis "Doc" Michaux Jr. and Phyllis Dickinson (Strong; Michaux), Bill served in the Coast Guard Reserves; graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Industrial Supervision; and worked in the aerospace industry, retiring as a Quality Engineer.
Bill enjoyed hiking, camping, canoeing, skiing, cycling, beekeeping, and bird watching. Fond memories of his childhood include picnicking and hiking with his family. He canoed the Rock River, and camped on its the islands with his little brother as a child. He and his father took Bill's children on canoeing adventures through the Boundary Waters. Bill skied Colorado and cycled across Iowa seven times. He could watch the hummingbirds, orioles, and bluebirds for hours.
Bill served his community in many ways, including the Masons twice as Master of the Lodge; Boy Scouts as Scoutmaster and Chairman; mowed and helped with Thanksgiving turkeys for United Church of Byron; and volunteered for the Byron Forest Preserve, assisting with beekeeping and woodworking. Bill personally scaled up to ten beehives on his own property.
Bill cared for, and remained active with his social circles, and took calls on his 83rd birthday. He took pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and his children's mother, Nova Rae. He is survived by his siblings, Annabel (Larry, deceased), Merri (Bob), and Daniel (Trudi, deceased); his children, Will "Gie" (Debbie) and J.D.; four grandchildren, Lili (Rakan), Benjamin, Blaise, and Sylvie; and two great-grandchildren, Remy and Faye.
Bill is remembered for his pleasant personality.
Friends and family are invited to United Church of Byron on May 30th, 2026, at 10am. Donations in Bill's memory may be made to United Church of Byron, Byron Forest Preserve, Byron Mason Lodge, and Serenity Hospice.