Obituary of William E. Hamrick

William E. Hamrick Age 86, passed peacefully at home with his family by his side, Wednesday November 16, 2016. He was born December 23, 1929 in Tekamah, NE to the late Faye (nee Bowland) and William Hamrick, Bill had resided in Joliet since the age of 10. A graduate of Joliet Township High School with the class of 1948, he received a bachelors degree in engineering from the University of Illinois and after college, he served in the U.S. Army. Beloved husband of 60 years to Shirley (nee Wilhelmi) Hamrick; loving father of Cynthia (late David) Soviak of Plainfield, IL, Jay (Kayla) Hamrick of Oswego, IL and Patty (Gerry) Bedore of Joliet, IL; proud grandfather of Alex, Jackie and Nathan Soviak; Aaron and Dean Hamrick; Craig, Stacy, Christopher, Scott and Shannon Bedore. Also surviving are a sister, Kaye (Tom) Pouk and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and son-in-law, he is also preceded in death by two brothers, Richard (late Marianne) Hamrick and James (late Mary) Hamrick. Bill retired from the Department of Energy (at Argonne National Laboratory) after many years of service. He was an active parishioner of St. Ambrose Church where he trained lectors as head lector and also could be heard calling bingo after Mass some years ago. When the school was open he served on the school board and was always there to lend a hand. He loved and lived his faith. Bill enjoyed volunteering for several causes over the years, including the Shepherds Table and the American Cancer Society. He was a lifelong fan of baseball and the Detroit Tigers. His hobbies included travel, golf, singing, strumming the guitar, square dancing and in later years, playing cards. Funeral services for William E. "Bill" Hamrick will be held Saturday November 19, 2016 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Crest Hill, IL where all friends and relatives can gather from 9:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial is celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in his name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate or St. Ambrose Catholic Church. For further information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his book of memories at www.fredcdames.com.