William E.

Stork

William E. Stork died the evening of September 28th, 2017. Residing for the last year, in the land of Cheese and Beer, there was speculation he may have held out for one last laugh should the Bears prevail. When it became clear the Packers had the game well-in-hand, he expired peacefully. By his side were his daughter-in-law Sheila, and son William C., of whom he was mostly proud. Incidents involving his favorite pickup truck, boat, and a chainsaw…notwithstanding.

At the time of his passing he was snoring like a logger, his comfort aided by the caring staff of Lilac Springs Assisted Living Facility.

Bill was born June 17, 1934 in Decatur Illinois where he attended Brush College Elementary, and Lakeview High Schools. He graduated in 1952 and enlisted in the United States Navy Construction Battalion, The Seabees.

He was a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 965. In his forty-year career he built libraries, bridges, nuclear power plants…and respect. He ran and fixed anything that blew black smoke, from a Bobcat skid loader to a 500-ton tower crane. Bill was always either providing for, or with, his family. He never missed a band concert or award ceremony, even if it meant the back row in work boots.

At the birth of his grand-daughter he retired from the profession. He loved to take his wife Ann places she wanted to go, fish during the week, and stir s#*t. A man who's made a life of productivity doesn't just quit.

He drove used cars, mowed grass for folks who couldn't, and built fences for friends; so long as the Crappie weren't biting. In the ultimate demonstration of 'til death do us part, he cared for Ann until she passed in 2009.

Surviving are his son Dr. William C. Stork, daughter-in-law Sheila, and grandchildren Paige and Calvin. An only child, cousins Jim and Connie Delahunty, Mike and Julie Delahunty, and Chris and Harry Nickles were as close as any siblings.

Buoyed by a visit from two of his fishin' buddies Dick Rentschler and Dave Oldham he was able to attend his son' wedding on September 16th. He sat front row, broke-bread, and swapped-stories with a cadre of men (and women) who revere him as a second father. A list that includes, but is not limited to; Glenn Fuller, Gray Whitney, Scott Clewis, Barb Hanek, Jay Walker, Gary and Diane Edmonds, and a man named Buzzard.

He was insured a dignified and comfortable passage and his family supported by the Army of Angels which is Rainbow Hospice.

You can take an old guy out of Decatur, but you can't take Illinois out of the boy. His last words were "I love you". Before that, "I'm gonna get in my truck and head back down to Decatur".
Which is exactly what he did.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Our Lady of the Lords Catholic Church in Decatur, IL.
Friends may call after 9 a.m. at the church until the time of mass.

Burial will be in North Fork Cemetery in Decatur.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. (www.Alz.org)

www.claussenfuneralhome.com