William Harry Kirchmeyer Sr.

William Harry Kirchmeyer, Sr.
He was born November 8, 1941 in Waukegan, Illinois. He died July 6, 2016 in his home in Rockford, IL. Bill was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1966.
Bill was a member of several Waukegan-area “garage” bands active throughout the 1960’s, most notably, as Lead Guitar for The Outspoken Blues.
He retired as a lieutenant of the Waukegan Fire Department in 1993, relocating to Lansing, Iowa with his wife, Barbara, where they remained until 2006 when they moved to their present home in Rockford, Illinois.
His passions included guitar playing, listening to music of all kinds, LEGO construction, wood working, the raising and display of tropical fish, winning several ribbons and trophies as a member of the Northeast Illinois Aquarists Association.
Later in life, Bill became an avid model railroader, constructing massive operational railroads requiring many additional “engineers” during frequent operating sessions. He also attended operating sessions of other model railroaders across the United States…and he never met a flashlight he didn’t like.
Bill Married Barbara Chapeta on February 10, 1973.
He is survived by three sons: William Harry Kirchmeyer, JR.-Chicago, IL; Joseph Alan (Karin) Kirchmeyer-Alpharetta, Georgia and their three children: Ashley, Ryan and Alyssa; Alan Charles (Kassandra) Kirchmeyer-Largo, FL and Alan’s six children: Kailey, Noah, Aiden, Alijah and Silas and step-daughter Angel. He is also survived by one brother and one sister, plus many sisters and brother-in-laws and many nephews and nieces and cousins.
Bill was predeceased by his father Frederick Joseph Kirchmeyer and his mother, Dorothy (Herrick) Kirchmeyer.
Memorial gathering from 10am until 12pm Saturday July 16, 2016 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home 1860 South Mulford Road, Rockford, IL