Obituaries
Obituary for William "Bill" Francis Smith
Peoria- William Francis Smith, age 95, of Peoria, passed away peacefully at 3:15 PM on Friday, December 22, 2017 surrounded by his family.
Born October 11, 1922 in Dubuque, Iowa he was a son to Albert Francis and Elizabeth (Pladna) Smith. He was a graduate of St. Columbkille High School and went on to study at Loras University in Dubuque until he was drafted into the Military. Bill honorably served in the United States Army during WWII and was stationed in Japan. After his service he completed his degree at the University of Iowa remaining an avid Hawkeye fan the remainder of his years.
On September 22, 1956 he married the love of his life Joyce Davis at St. John’s in Peoria. She survives. Bill worked for Caterpillar for 37 years until his retirement as a Project Manager. While working for Caterpillar Bill traveled extensively all over including Belgium, France, Germany, and Alaska. He was always known to be a very proud and humble gentleman who was very attentive to detail in every aspect of his life. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother who was family orientated and very supportive, always challenging his family to be the best they could be. Bill had a lifelong love for the game of golf, he not only played for the Caterpillar Golfing Association but he also taught his sons the love of the game. Bill will always be remembered as a master handyman who enjoyed doing projects, but also taking trips to the Northwood’s during the summer with his family and Tucson during the winter with his wife. He was deeply loved and will truly be missed.
Survivors include his wife Joyce Smith of Peoria; seven children: Susan (Stan) Hodgson of Tremont, Charles (Terri) Smith of Hopewell, James (Diane) Smith of Peoria, Nancy (Bruce) Gage of Indianapolis, IN, Jeanne (Dave) Wagner of West Chicago, Alan (Judy) Smith of Flagstaff, AZ, and Patti (Jeff) Staley of Batavia; 18 grandchildren: Lauren, Rachel (Tommy), Christopher, Megan, Brad, Sam, Patrick, Mitchell, Chad, Natalie, David, Allison, Michael, William, Addison, Noah, Anna, and Jonah; one great grandson Thomas; as well as one sister Nancy Smith of Cedar Rapids, IA.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one brother David Smith, and two sisters: Bette Friend, and Catherine Rhode.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 between the hours of 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Philomena Catholic Church with visitation being held 30 minutes prior to mass. Father David Richardson will officiate and burial with full military honors will follow in Resurrection Mausoleum.
Memorials in William’s memory may be made to St. Philomena Catholic Church, Holy Family Catholic Church, or the American Alzheimer’s Association.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Read More
Born October 11, 1922 in Dubuque, Iowa he was a son to Albert Francis and Elizabeth (Pladna) Smith. He was a graduate of St. Columbkille High School and went on to study at Loras University in Dubuque until he was drafted into the Military. Bill honorably served in the United States Army during WWII and was stationed in Japan. After his service he completed his degree at the University of Iowa remaining an avid Hawkeye fan the remainder of his years.
On September 22, 1956 he married the love of his life Joyce Davis at St. John’s in Peoria. She survives. Bill worked for Caterpillar for 37 years until his retirement as a Project Manager. While working for Caterpillar Bill traveled extensively all over including Belgium, France, Germany, and Alaska. He was always known to be a very proud and humble gentleman who was very attentive to detail in every aspect of his life. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother who was family orientated and very supportive, always challenging his family to be the best they could be. Bill had a lifelong love for the game of golf, he not only played for the Caterpillar Golfing Association but he also taught his sons the love of the game. Bill will always be remembered as a master handyman who enjoyed doing projects, but also taking trips to the Northwood’s during the summer with his family and Tucson during the winter with his wife. He was deeply loved and will truly be missed.
Survivors include his wife Joyce Smith of Peoria; seven children: Susan (Stan) Hodgson of Tremont, Charles (Terri) Smith of Hopewell, James (Diane) Smith of Peoria, Nancy (Bruce) Gage of Indianapolis, IN, Jeanne (Dave) Wagner of West Chicago, Alan (Judy) Smith of Flagstaff, AZ, and Patti (Jeff) Staley of Batavia; 18 grandchildren: Lauren, Rachel (Tommy), Christopher, Megan, Brad, Sam, Patrick, Mitchell, Chad, Natalie, David, Allison, Michael, William, Addison, Noah, Anna, and Jonah; one great grandson Thomas; as well as one sister Nancy Smith of Cedar Rapids, IA.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one brother David Smith, and two sisters: Bette Friend, and Catherine Rhode.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 between the hours of 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Philomena Catholic Church with visitation being held 30 minutes prior to mass. Father David Richardson will officiate and burial with full military honors will follow in Resurrection Mausoleum.
Memorials in William’s memory may be made to St. Philomena Catholic Church, Holy Family Catholic Church, or the American Alzheimer’s Association.
Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
27
Dec
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Wright & Salmon Mortuary
2416 N. North Street
Peoria, IL 61604
Visitation
Thursday
28
Dec
10:30 AM
- 11:00 AM
St. Philomena Catholic Church
1000 W. Albany Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
Funeral Mass
Thursday
28
Dec
11:00 AM
St. Philomena Catholic Church
1000 W. Albany Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
Cemetery Details
Location
Resurrection Cemetery & Mausoleum
7519 N Allen Rd
Peoria, IL 61614
Memorial Contribution
Alzheimer's Association
St. Philomena Catholic Church
Loading...