William H. Dreyer

William W. Dreyer, of Arlington Heights, Ill. passed away peacefully from ALS, Oct. 31, 2017. Throughout Bill's 2-year battle with ALS he retained his passion for life, his unwavering love for his family, his joy in his friends and his faith in God. Bill was born in Burbank, Calif, Oct. 1, 1960 to James and Maryanne (Sinclair) Dreyer. The family then moved back to Midland where Bill attended Plymouth School, Northeast and Midland High School. He graduated from California State University at Chico.

In 2005, Bill married Lisa (Schuck) Dreyer in Midland. Their children are Annelise, age 10 and James, age 8.

As the director and curator for the Art of Dr. Seuss Collection at Chase Art Company, Bill brought this art to life in books, exhibits, sculptures and lectures all over the world. His own love for life aligned wonderfully with Dr. Seuss' sense of whimsy. He was thrilled to be asked to lecture at MCFTA and bring the paintings and sculptures to the Center and Dow Gardens during the summer exhibit in 2016. He was always proud of his hometown and maintained many of his friendships here.

Bill was a talented musician who enjoyed playing violin, guitar and bass. He also lent his voice in celebration with his church choir. His love for music and ability to share that love with others is a gift he leaves with all who were close to him.

In addition to his wife, Lisa; and their children, Bill is survived by his parents, Maryanne and Jim Dreyer of Midland; brother, Michael Dreyer (Julie) of Brookfield, Wis.; sisters, Katherine (Shawn) Decker of Piedmont, Calif., Amy (Kurt) Nielsen of Danville, Calif.; his in-laws, Ed and Blanche Schuck; sister-in-law and husband, Linda and Andy Minas, all of Chicago, Ill. He also leaves his seven nieces and nephews, Marie and Jack Dreyer of Milwaukee, Wis., Joseph Decker of Seattle, Wash., William Decker of Piedmont, Calif., Lauren Nielsen of Alameda, Calif., Eric Nielsen of Reno, Nev., and Lindsey Minas of Chicago. In addition to his immediate family, Bill's life was enriched by the love of a large extended family and many friends.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held Nov. 12, 2017 at the Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove, Ill. at 3 p.m. Prior to the service there will be a visitation which begins at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to an education fund for James and Annelise which has been set up by the Kingswood Church. Checks should be made payable to Bright Directions and mailed to Bill Dreyer Memorial, care of Kingswood United Church, 401 W. Dundee, Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089 or memorials may be sent to the donor's choice of charity.