Bill W. Cantrell

BILL W. CANTRELL, 87 ROCKFORD - Bill W. Cantrell, 87, of Rockford passed away Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. Born Jan. 1, 1922, in West Frankfort, the son of George Carl and Bernice (Utley) Cantrell. Married Sue Rowe on June 2, 1943, in Hennepin Avenue Methodist Church, Minneapolis, Minn. Bill was proud of his military service in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II, serving in Italy and North Africa. Although wounded in action, he declined a well-deserved Purple Heart. He was an avid reader, a gun and knife enthusiast, and he and his wife, Sue, square danced in their early years and were dedicated rock hounds, collecting all over the country. Bill had a unique sense of humor, always had a story to tell, enjoyed music and loved words, from Shakespeare to Scrabble. Survivors include daughters, Deborah Hesselberth of Rockford and Stephanie (Mike) Pace of Belvidere; grandsons, Shawn (Sylvanie) Eisenach of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Michael Hesselberth of Rockford; sisters, Joan Bogart of Hannibal, Mo., and Jeanne Webb of Crosby, Texas; sister-in-law, Helene Cantrell of Crosby; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Our thanks to the many medical personnel who gave him such good care over the years. Special thanks to the VNA team, Bobbie, Winnie and Vicky for their comfort and care during Bill's last days. Predeceased by parents; his wife of 60 years, Sue; and brother, George Carl. Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Memorials to the family. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com .