William "Bill" J. Richards

William “Bill” J. Richards, 86, of Rockford, went home peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, with his wife Bonnie at his side. Bill was born in Dubuque, Iowa on August 15, 1929 to parents Val J. and Catherine Richards. He was raised in St. Vincent’s Orphanage, in Freeport, IL. Bill married the love of his life, Bonnie, on August 25, 1951 in Freeport. Bill and Bonnie met at a dance all those years ago, and had 6 wonderful children whom he adored. Bill worked at Ingersoll in Rockford for many years, retiring in 1992. He was passionate about Scouting, in particular, the Eagle Scouts whom he mentored. Bill was the Scout Leader of Troop 37 for over 50 years, retiring in 2014. He loved his family dearly and took pride in all of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. His family will miss him, as well as his Boy Scout “Family”. The Richards Family would like to thank the OSF Medical Center, the staff at St. Anne’s Center, and Heartland Hospice for their compassion and care of Bill.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; children, Don (Susan) Richards of Wichita, KS, Christal (Steve) Schilb of Moline, Vicki McReynolds of Loves Park, Linda (Mike) Hedlund of Winnebago, Barb Cavanagh (Dave Lange) of Beloit, WI, Jeff (Sue) Richards of Loves Park; 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Predeceased by his granddaughter, Carol Ann Hedlund; great-grandson, Kyle Wagner; sister-in-law, Sr. Ann Benedict; brothers-in-law, Monte Williams and Joseph Langer.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM, Friday, September 4, 2015 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford, IL, 61103. A private burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be 4 to 7 PM, Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL, 61103 and on Friday at the Cathedral from 9:30 AM until time of prayers at 10:15 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 37, in Bill’s honor. Funeral arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel.