William J. "Bill" Starasinich

William J. Starasinich “Bill”, age 91, entered eternal life on March 10, 2018 at home surrounded by his family.

Born January 8, 1927 in Joliet to John and Theresa (Jerman) Starasinich.

Bill is survived by his loving children, John (Julie), Beth, Fr. Jim, Bill (Kathy), Mark (Colleen), and Bob (Rose); grandchildren, Meg (fiancé David Martin), Katie, Elizabeth, Nick, Anne, Michael, Anthony, Matthew, Krista, Kara, Colette, Therese, Luke, Thomas, Josie, Johnny, Mary, and Sophia; sisters, Theresa (late David) Conner, Bernice (Donald) Walker; brother, Elmer (Marlene) Starasinich.  Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty (nee Sandiford) (2013); his parents; sisters, Anna (Elmer) Marth, Margaret Starasinich; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Earleen Shields; nieces, Judith Shields and Terri Duchesne.

Bill attended St. Joseph Grade School in Joliet and was a 1945 graduate of Joliet Township High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, 77th Division, stationed in Japan.  After the army, he attended diesel mechanic school in Chicago and became a mechanic. He worked for various companies including J. Merle Jones & Sons, Material Service, Heitman Trucking, and retired from Case Power and Equipment in Bolingbrook. He served as recording secretary for Joliet Machinist Union 710 and was also a member of Mechanics Union 701.  He was a hardworking man who would lend a hand to anyone in need.

Bill was a member of St. Joseph Church Joliet, K.S.K.J. #29, Cantigny Post V.F.W. #367, and St. Joseph Holy Name Society.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, fishing, and taking long Sunday rides.  Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to give a special thanks to dad’s caregiver, Ann, and the nurses from Rainbow Hospice, Debra and Valerie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Joseph Church or Rainbow Hospice.

A celebration of William’s life will begin on Thursday, March 15, 2018 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m.; Father Jim Starasinich officiating. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet, where full military honors will be rendered. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Obituary and Tribute Wall for William J. Starasinich at www.tezakfuneralhome.com or for information, 815-722-0524.

Arrangements entrusted to Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life.