Obituary of William F. Stelow
Bill died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family at the age of 88.
He is survived by his “harem,” which includes the love of his life, his wife of 67 years, Marie (nee Culik); and 6 daughters, Marla (Rick Shinneman) Johnson, Melissa (the late Marion) Griffin, Michelle (Dave) Rogness , Melanie (Ken) Messenger, Maureen (Bill) Simpson, and Miriam “Mimi” (Mike) Bartos. Survivors also include 10 grandchildren, Shaun Messenger, Erin (Matt Lee) Magee, Shannon (Ben) Baer, Joshua (Kate) Johnson, Riann (Gary) Galus, Nathaniel (Jessica) Magee, Bill (Jacqueline) Simpson, Tim (Kristin) Simpson, Justin (Lauren) Wise, and Taryn (Geogg) Price (Geoff); 17 great-grandchildren; his “baby sister”, Ida Bush of Citra, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, George Stelow; his mother, Estella McLouth; 2 half-sisters Corrinne and Edith; his sister, Jane McNeil; stepbrother, James Brown; and granddaughter, Tarah Wise.
Bill’s leadership skills combined with a giving, caring heart, created a man who was admired, respected, and loved by all who knew him.
When his daughters attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Joliet, Bill served as President of the Parent Aid Club. He went on to head a high school CCD program for the Diocese of Joliet for which he was awarded the Pius X Medal by Bishop Romeo Blanchette. He also chaired conferences for the Diocesan House of Laymen and Call to Action, an international Catholic organization dedicated to issues of peace and justice.
On his 17th birthday, Bill had enlisted in the Army Air Force and served in Okinawa as a Radar Specialist completing his tour in Orlando and discharged with the rank of Sergeant at age 20.
During his 34 years in management positions at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet, Bill was active in the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, earning him the International President’s Award.
Following his retirement from Caterpillar, Bill spent time in a volunteer role for the Village of Shorewood, chairing several festivals, and serving as Grand Marshal of a parade.
Through the years Bill had been active in the Joliet Drama Guild and the Bicentennial Theater, portraying Conrad Will at the celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of Will County. These venues also provided an outlet for his love of music, especially musical theater. He had been a boy soprano who appeared on radio’s Major Bowes Amateur Hour, and he took pride in being the son of an accomplished pianist.
Bill’s love for the game of golf was expressed not only on the course but in his final job in the Pro Shop at Heritage Bluffs in Channahon until his health issues forced him to “turn in his keys.”
In recent years, as long as his health permitted, Bill enjoyed the monthly meetings of the Caterpillar Retirees Club as well as his Tuesday morning breakfasts at Matty’s in Shorewood with old Caterpillar buddies.
He was an avid Democrat as well as a White Sox fan.
A private get-together will be held in the Spring with the family that filled him with so much pride sharing their memories.
Bill donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Society of Illinois to further medical research. When the time is right, his interment will take place at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
Memorials in his name would be appreciated to the Joliet Area Community Hospice so that they may continue providing their wise and loving care and comfort to other patients and their families in their final days. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or you can visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
