William Goodwin, Sr

William J. Goodwin, Sr.

Age 95 of Wesley Township, Wilmington, passed away Monday evening June 2, 2014 at Miller Rehabilitation Center in Kankakee.

Born September 22, 1918, William John was a son of the late Philip and Myrtle Brock-Goodwin. He was raised in Wesley Township and graduated as valedictorian from Kankakee High School. On February 20, 1949, William married Ruth Martha Green and together they raised their family on the family farm. William farmed his entire life and took special pride in dairy farming and raising good quality Brown Swiss cattle. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, and after retirement, Bill took pleasure in tending to his late wife's flowers and enjoyed working around the farm, doing only tasks that he liked to accomplish.

Survivors include his three children: William, Jr. (Carolyn) Goodwin of Elmira, Oregon, Ross Goodwin of Chicago and Virginia (Rick) Parlato of Mishicot, Wisconsin; five grandchildren: Matthew Parlato and Lisa Parlato of Wisconsin, Sara (Jim) Hall of Decatur, Amber (Kyle) Byers of Colorado and Ira (Clover) Wier of Oregon; five great grandchildren: Diana, Caleb, Aiden, Hayden and Claire; brother Erwin (Marlene) Goodwin and two sisters: Helen McGranahan and Phyllis Summers, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

William was preceded in death by his parents, brother Frank, and wife Ruth.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Sunday June 8, 2014 between the hours of 2:00PM and 5:00PM at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Monday morning at 10:00AM in the funeral home with Beverly Dehler from the Ritchey United Methodist Church officiating.

Burial will be in Wesley Cemetery, where William will be laid to rest with his wife Ruth.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)