William "Bill" Hale

William "Bill" H. Hale Sr., age 77, passed away at home on June 15, 2021. He was born to William Hale and Luceba "Betty" (Nee: DesBoullions) Hale on December 28, in Evergreen Park, Ill. He met the love of his life Carol in Jr. High and married her on August, 17, 1963, in Sweet Home Chicago. Bill earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Illinois University where he was in the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He then earned his Master of Arts in Teaching and an Education specialist degree both from Indiana University. He was a member of the professional fraternity for education. Phi Delta Kappa. After teaching Geography and Coaching the Basketball team at Proviso West High School. It was then off to being an administrator in Greensburg and Shoals Indiana. He found himself back in Illinois, where he spent most of his career at Harlem Consolidated School District 122 as an administrator. Bill is survived by his wife Carol (Ostendorf), daughter, Suzanne "Suzi Hale, son William Hale Jr., Niece, Betty (Lauren) Ward, sisters-in-law, Margie Johnson, Mary (Al) McDonald, and brother-in-law William "Bill (Fran) Ostendorf as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Byron Clemmie (Davis) DesBoullions, Walter "Gramps", Anna Davies and half-sister, Barbara Harkins. Bill had many nicknames "Captain" from Gramps "Whale" from his students as that was what he signed everything at school and "Thunder stick" using his paddle to get mice... He had a wide range of interests. Bill and Carol enjoyed visiting all 50 States! Many of those trips had something to do with or around trains and their history. Being a history buff in all... He was a founding member of the Northwest NTrak Club of Palatine, Ill. Bill and Carol loved to dance and were spot light dancers at the new prudential building where American Band Stand was taped when it was in Chicago. Boating, fishing, painting, photography, gardening, designing things, gambling and cooking were just a few of his hobbies. He collected baseball caps and golf balls some other things he enjoyed were barn architecture, the weather and rock stratus. He loved animals, watching Drum Corps, and playing cards with anyone that would sit down. He played bridge, pinochle and even poker... Probably his most cherished thing to do was sitting down to have a good meal with family and friends. Bill was a huge sports fan. His favorites were the Indiana University Basketball Team, Bears, Cubs and yes he would also appreciate those White Sox. (Wink) In 1991 Bill had a great adventure to play in the Randy Hundley fantasy baseball camp at the Field of Dreams diamond in Dyersville, Iowa. It highlighted Bill pitching two shutout innings and picked off Jim Piersall off second base. Many of the players he pitched to were those players he was rooting for as a kid. It was fun since they are Hall of Famers; Bob Feller, Lou Brock, Bob Gibbson, Joe Hoerner, Gene Oliver, Joe Pepitone, Jose Cardenal, Jimmy Peirsall, Jay Johnstone, Gene Oliver, Reggie Jackson, Curt Flood, and Dick Allen... Funny thing is the celebrities were pretty good too... but even the celebrities were in awe. The family would like to say a special thank you to his large Medical team. (To many to list) Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Burial at Arlington Memorial Cemetery in Rockford will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. To send online condolences please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com