William D. Mehlenbeck

SPRINGFIELD - William D. "Bill" Mehlenbeck, 80, a resident of Springfield since 1956, died at 4:40 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2007, at Memorial Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 2, 1926, in Peoria, the son of Wilbur C. and Irene M. Davis Mehlenbeck. He married Barbara M. Bunn Edwards in 1970. His parents; first wife, Judith Mehlenbeck; sister, Susan K. Mehlenbeck; and brother, James Mehlenbeck, preceded him in death.

After graduating from Peoria High School, he entered the U.S. Navy, where he served as a navigator on a PBY. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1946, he entered Bradley University, graduating in 1950. At Bradley, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

He then entered the family business, Mehlenbeck Brothers Construction Co. in Peoria, until he became the association executive of Central Illinois Builders for more than 30 years, retiring in late 1990. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Sangamo Club, Elks Club and American Legion Post 32.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara M. Mehlenbeck of Springfield; three sons, William B. (Caroline) Mehlenbeck of Peoria, Michael D. (Betty) Mehlenbeck of Riverton and James (Patricia) Mehlenbeck of Anaheim Hills, Calif.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Jack) Wombacher of Lincoln; and sister-in-law, Millie Mehlenbeck of Peoria.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of services at noon Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at Staab Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Swickard officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Chapel Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or a charity of the donor's choice.