William M. "Bill" Clanin

WILLIAM 'BILL' M. CLANIN, 83 BELVIDERE - William "Bill" M. Clanin, 83, of Belvidere died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born Sept. 28, 1925, in Astoria, the son of Kathlyn and Harley B. Clanin. Moved to Belvidere in 1932. Attended Belvidere schools and graduated from Belvidere High School in 1943. Served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 during World War II in the Philippines, Okinawa and China aboard the USS LST 620 and USS Keith. Received a U.S. Navy letter of commendation. Upon returning from World War II, he attended and graduated from Beloit College in 1949 and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Owner and operator of Clanin's Furniture from 1954 to 1977; retired from the state of Illinois Department of Human Services. Served as administrative assistant to chief engineer at Elgin Mental Health Center. After retirement was associated with Jack Wolf Pontiac, Cadillac and GMC. Served as assistant township supervisor, Boone County Board chairman, member of American Legion Boone Post 77, past post commander and district commander of American Legion, member of Masonic Lodge 60, life member of VFW John Hugo Kaiser Post 1461, member of Freeport Scottish Rite Bodies. More than 50-year member of Tebala Shrine, director emeritus Tebala Shrine captain of the guard, member and past director of Rockford Court 69 Royal Order of Jesters, member and past president of Belvidere IOU Club, member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder, member and past president of BelMar Country Club, member of board of directors for Belvidere Community Building, owner and manager of 527 Social and Athletic Club. Bill married Marilyn Burdick on March 5, 1955, and is survived by her and their daughters, Kathleen Jean Boyd (Alan) of Springfield, Elizabeth Ann (Donald) Spradlin of Scituate, Mass., and Margaret Ellen Scanlon of Scituate; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents. Service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, in First Presbyterian Church, 221 N. Main St., with the Rev. Robert Kopp officiating. Interment in Belvidere Cemetery. Visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the church, with Masonic service at 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Belvidere or Shriners Hospital for Children c/o Tebala Shrine Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Arrangements by Belvidere Funeral Home.