William C. Keith, Jr.

Visitation Date: Monday, November 14, 2022
Visitation Time: 3:00-9:00 p.m.
Funeral Date: Tuesday, November 15th, 2022
Funeral Time: 10:30 am
Place of Funeral: Chapel Service at Salerno's Rosedale Chapels
Funeral Notes: Visitation Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
Interment: Mount Emblem Cemetery

William C. Keith, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 8, 2022. He left the world in comfort and surrounded by love. Devoted and loving father of Shannon (Yorg) Rinker, Erin (Russ) Matteson, Shane Keith (partner Jen Berry), Kevin (Lisa) Keith and Eileen Keith. Beloved grandpa of Emily Matteson (partner Jake Sundstrom) and Hannah (Luke) Ammerman. Dear brother of Jean (Terry) Keith-Altemus. He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, sisters Sharon Rodriguez and Joanie Keith, and parents William Sr. (Sweet) and Jeanne (Bubby) Keith. A dedicated family man, Bill was truly a great husband, father, grandfather, coworker and friend, as well as being an overall good man. A master tool & die maker, he worked for the same company for more than 50 years, beginning as an apprentice at age 17. He often worked two and sometimes three jobs over the years to help his family enjoy a loving home and a full life. Bill loved to bowl, play golf, and was quite an artist, designing and building countless decks and carving a variety of duck decoys and other wood items. A lifelong fisherman, Bill always looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his sons to northern Wisconsin’s Lake Owen, where they spent a long weekend each June for the last 30+ years. Always an outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed camping and hunting as well as fishing, sharing his skills and experience with his children and anyone who asked. After Joyce died, Bill was able to realize his dream of living on a lake where he could fish, watch and listen to the ducks and geese, and enjoy the view from his deck, even if it was only for a brief time this past summer and fall. A third-degree mason, Bill was proud of his masonic history and membership, and loved to show his lifetime member card to everyone. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a memorial contribution in Bill’s name to Illinois Masonic Charities at ilmcharities.org

Guestbook


Posted by:
Mike Donati

Posted on:
Monday, November 14, 2022

When I think about Bill, I automatically think about family and Bill's family influence spread to his cousins as well. Bill and his wonderful wife Joyce were generous, genuine and welcoming people. We will always have fond memories of family parties and picnics and most importantly Campers Roost. The family memories and experiences will live on in all of us and Bill's character will continue to be an influence on all that have known him.

Posted by:
Rachel

Posted on:
Saturday, November 12, 2022

It is hard to leave this here but maybe easier as well. My Uncle Bill was a legend in his own right. For years and still to this day I would mistakenly and accidentally call him “Grandpa”…. so , so many times! I would apologize to him, Joyce, and others. However, I don’t ever think ultimately that was a mistake. My Uncle Bill is a true and very rare patriarch you come across …. If I have ever known or experienced in my adult life… I remember few. I remember his hands and strong arms like my grandfather’s… his words and encouragement as well. My Aunt Joyce ran that camp for years… he was always echoing and supporting right behind her. Especially when my Bub or Mom could not or was there no longer. I have come to realize, there are very few REAL MEN that ever leave this mark or with the ultimate hope… I would give anything if my own SON was half that man and father. He has left a legacy of love, honor, respect, responsibility, and FAMILY. I am so beyond grateful for him. I will throw a line in for you Uncle Bill!