Obituary of William F. Blackburn
Age 72, of Shorewood, IL passed from this life Sunday evening, February 21, 2021 at his home. He was born June 29, 1948 to the late Catherine Jean (nee Plitt) and William F. Blackburn, Sr. in Joliet, IL where he was raised and educated, a graduate of the Class of 1966 from Joliet Catholic High.
Bill attended Lewis University before being drafted in the US Army. After serving his country, he continued his education at Western Illinois University receiving a bachelor's degree in Information Technology with high honors.
On June 7, 1975 Bill married Nancy Hutchings at St. Mary Carmelite Catholic Church in downtown Joliet.
In addition to Nancy, his wife of 45 years, he is also survived by two sons, Matthew (Carrie) and Timothy Blackburn; three grandsons, Oliver, Benjamin and Niall; five sisters and four brothers, aunt and uncle; two special caregivers, Cathy Slamecka and Jenni Fair; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Bill worked for a number of years as an IT specialist and retired from Silver Cross Hospital after 25 years of service. There, he was a teacher, a mentor and a friend to all around the hospital.
His hobbies included bicycling, kayaking and making the world’s best apple sauce. He loved watching the grandsons play soccer. Most of all, he treasured just being with his grandsons - “the boys”.
With deep appreciation and gratitude to all of Bill's doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and especially to the Oncology/Stem Cell Department. A special thank you to Doctor Jayesh Mehta, Stem Cell Specialist, and his staff for their dedicated care for the past 8 years.
As it was Bill’s wish cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date and will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name can be made to the support of stem cell research (Bethematch.org) or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s disease (https://www.michaeljfox.org).
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
