Obituary of William Sterling Greiner
William “Bill” Sterling Greiner, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Lightways Hospice, Joliet, after a lengthy battle with leukemia. He was surrounded by the love of his family by his side. Born in Joliet, IL, on August 5, 1948, he was the son of the late Sterling and Iola Greiner. Bill was a graduate from Joliet West High School and Eureka College and went on to build a long and dedicated career, retiring as a Global Purchasing Manager from Ecolab after 37 years of service.
Bill married the love of his life, Marlene (nee Hanna) Greiner. With over 51 years of marriage, they built a life centered on family, faithfulness, and shared experiences, especially their enjoyment of traveling and golfing together. Bill was an avid golfer who not only played countless rounds at local Joliet golf courses but also around the country and overseas. Bill and Marlene took many golf trips to Ireland and Scotland with their family and dear friends, Greg and Mary Ellen Webb. Bill and Marlene cherished the months they spent in Ft. Myers, Florida, embracing a half-year lifestyle filled with sunshine, relaxation, and golfing together.
Deeply involved in his community, Bill gave generously of his time and leadership. He was a member of Prestwick Country Club, a Past President of Joliet Country Club, and a Past President of the Joliet Park District. He also served as a former member of the Joliet Park Foundation, Joliet Junior College Foundation, and the Joliet Exchange Club. Through these roles, he helped shape the recreational and civic life of Joliet.
Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Marlene; two daughters, Stacy (fiancé Scott Updegraff) Greiner and Lisa (Dr. Brian) Winkleman; and four beloved grandchildren, Quinn and Campbell Connelly and Hanna and Alexander “A.J.” Winkleman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear cousin, Linda Babich.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Sunil Narula, M.D., and Dr. Michael Bishop from the University of Chicago Medicine at the Silver Cross Campus.
Visitation for Bill Greiner will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL, 6043.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
