William "Bill" M. Smith Jr.

William M. Smith Jr. “Bill,” age 87, entered eternal life on Saturday, February 11, 2017 with his loving family by his side.

William is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bernadine (nee Zielinski) Smith; children, Michael J. (Sandra) Smith and Thomas W. Smith; grandchildren, Amy K. Smith and Renee E. (James) Wuttke; great-grandchildren, Jakob, Austyn, Jaxon, Aubree and Brody; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, William and Rose (nee Jaskowiak) Smith; and sister, Marlene (John) Ancel.

Bill was born and raised in Joliet. He was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church and was a dedicated Altar Server from the age of 6 until he was 87 years old. He was a proud member of the United States Army serving during the Korean War. He was employed by U.S. Steel as a Blacksmith retiring in 1981 and after his retirement he worked for Holy Cross Catholic Church until 2007. He continued his career at Holy Cross as a faithful volunteer up until his passing. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Cantigny Post #367 and the Joliet Rivals Club. Bill enjoyed wood working and was a “jack of all trades.” He will be dearly missed.

A celebration of William’s life will begin on Friday, February 17, 2017 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to Holy Cross Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Joliet. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.