William R. Washburn

William “Bill” Robert Washburn, 78, of Rockford, passed away on March 24, 2025, at UW Health Swedish American Hospital. He was born on September 15, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Robert and Lauretta (Scheutte) Washburn. Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and was served in the Vietnam War. He married Fely Moreno on December 18, 2013, in Rockford. In his younger years he enjoyed riding motorcycles. He worked for St. Edward School in Elgin as a bus driver and at Ace Hardware in Elgin for many years. He loved all things outdoors; hunting deer and geese, fishing, camping at Clinton Lake, mowing the yard on his riding lawn mower, and taking cruises to tropical islands. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and liked collecting everything. He was an avid cook, known for his chili, fried catfish, his thanksgiving and super bowl spreads. He was a loving and caring husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Fely; daughters, Kimberlee Washburn and Victoria Morgan; grandsons, Ace and Mickey; sisters, Carol Sprague, Roberta Washburn, Bonnie McWayne, and Linda Paleologos; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1:30 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. A visitation will be prior to the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Military honors will follow and be presented by the Loves Park VFW. Cremation rites have been accorded.