William "Bill" Smith

William “Bill” Kenneth Smith, 75, of Gurnee, IL went home to be with the Lord May 10, 2019, at home with his wife and son by his side. He was born March 27, 1944, in Onalaska, WI to the late Josiah B. and Luella A. (Prise) Smith. On October 14, 1967, in Waukegan, IL, Bill married Eileen F. Wirtala. He grew up in Onalaska, WI, then attended Warren Township High School his Senior Year. Bill was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Gurnee, IL since 1971, serving as Elder, and other leadership roles. He worked and retired from Johnson Motors/OMC for more than 30 years. After retirement, he worked for the State of Illinois at the Ann Kiley Center in Waukegan, IL. He was active in Village, County, Township and other local politics. Bill served the Village of Gurnee on the Zoning Board and the Planning Commission for many years. He was a faithful Green Bay “Packer Backer”. Bill really enjoyed his ’65 Red Mustang. His King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, K.C., loved him unconditionally.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51-1/2 years, Eileen; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey (Angela) Smith of Auckland, New Zealand; three grandchildren, Andy Yu of Wellington, New Zealand, Joshua Smith and Alyssa Smith both of Auckland, New Zealand; brothers and sisters, Robert Smith of Onalaska, WI, James (Yvonne) Smith of Dunnellon, FL, Carol Howard of Abbeville, SC, and Jeanie (Mike) Volkenant of Spring Grove, MN; sister-in-law, Mary Smith of Mountain Home, AR; mother-in-law, Dorothy Wirtala of Beach Park, IL; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Corine Colbert of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Richard Wirtala of Woodstock, IL, Donald (Laura) Wirtala of Eugene, OR, Laurie (Gerald) Rodberg of Beach Park, IL, and a multitude of extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his son, Andrew “Drew” Smith in 2011; brothers, Richard Smith, Josiah Smith and Donald Smith; sisters-in-law, Dora Smith, Marcilee Smith, Bonnie Smith, Margaret Smith, and Marty Wirtala; brothers-in-law, Richard Bruring and Lloyd Howard, and father-in-law, Wally Wirtala.

A memorial visitation will take place Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon at Bethel Lutheran Church, 5110 Grand Ave., Gurnee. A memorial service will be at 12:00 noon, Saturday, May 18, 2019, at the church following the visitation with Rev. Dr. Ben Squires officiating. Interment services will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee. You may leave online condolences at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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