William T. Sachs

William Sachs, 90, of Rockford, passed away at home on Sunday, September 15, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born in Madison, Wisconsin on May 17, 1934, to John Matthew and Frances Cecelia (Connolly) Sachs. Bill graduated from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science and went on to become a pharmacist. He was proud of his family and his faith and was a devout member of St. Bernadette’s Church. He spent many years opening the Chapel early in the morning and praying for an hour until the next person arrived. He was also a proud member of the adult choir for years.
Bill was a kind and generous man who always put others before himself. He was happiest when he could make others feel confident, welcomed, and, above all, make them laugh. He was creative and enthusiastic — one epic year he secretly built monkey bars and a slide in the basement so as not to spoil the surprise for his children on Christmas morning. He planned amazing road trips across the country, navigating from one KOA campground to the next. He loved trains, model building, and gardening, and he took up watercolor painting after he retired. But his true passion was cooking. Everyone knew that if Bill was in the kitchen there would be an exciting, and sometimes exotic, meal to look forward to. Especially if he was making his famous Billy Buns. Everyone loved those rolls! 
He worked as a pharmacist for 35 years at Nihan and Martin’s Pharmacy, then moved on to a handful of other companies in Rockford until he “retired,” when he started working for Raj Patel at Downtown Discount Drugs. He finally called it quits after he turned 80.
A humble man who felt his main purpose in life was to provide for his family, he allowed Corinne and his children to flourish. He was always good for a smile and a warm laugh. If you ever told him it was good to see him, you would get “It’s good to be seen” as his standard reply.
He is survived by his children Cynthia Sachs, Sheila Sachs, Sharon Sachs, Michael (Nancy Barbieri) Sachs, Edward (Amy) Sachs; grandchild, Dale (Serenity) Sachs-Loomis; great-grandchild, Josie Jane Sachs-Loomis; sister, Joan Dolan; siblings in-law Ginny Sachs, Colleen Benthal, Collette Snydacker, Carmen (Timothy) Willard; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his lovely wife Corinne (just 14 weeks earlier); his parents; siblings Mary Martha Sachs, John “Jack” (Lorraine) Sachs, James “Jimmy” Sachs; and brother in-laws Patrick Dolan, Donald Benthal, and Harry Snydacker.
A memorial visitation for Bill will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave., Rockford, IL, 61103, with a quick rosary for Bill at 9 a.m. A memorial Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. Final resting place will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Classical WNIU 90.5 FM, Nicholas Conservatory, the Knights of Columbus, the Audubon Society, or St. Bernadette Catholic Church. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.