William G. McIlquham, Sr., 93, of Chippewa Falls, town of Eagle Point, got his wings on Friday, August 9, 2024 at his residence with his loving family by his side under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

                Bill was born May 26, 1931 in Chippewa Falls, the son of James and Anna (O’Leary) McIlquham.

                Bill was in the Marine Corp from 1951 – 1953. Basic training was in San Diego, CA for 2 months plus 2 months sea school. He was stationed on the “Boxer” aircraft carrier for 18 months.          

                Bill was a “Captain Orderly” for 14 months and was a gunner on a pair of quad 40’s. He attained the rank of “Corporal”.

He was awarded the UN Ribbon, the Korean Ribbon, the Pacific Ribbon and the Sigmond Rhea Ribbon.

                Bill was a member of the American Legion Post #77, V.F.W. Post #1038, the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council and Notre Dame Church.

                Bill owned and operated a dairy farm as well as the McIlquham Apple Orchard in the town of LaFayette. He also worked for the State of Wisconsin as a meat inspector as well as a meat investigator.

                On November 13th of 1954, he married Ardith M. LeCleir. They shared a life together, just shy of their 70th wedding anniversary. Together they had five children, Bill Jr. (Becky), Scott (Cheri), Linda (Ignacio), Tom (Mary) and Paul (Bridget). He is also survived by one sister, Alice (Vern) Normand. They have 10 grandchildren, Chad (Jean), Dusty (Sarah), Chelsea (Matt), Drew (Danielle), Ashley (Ryan), Alecia (Nick), Josh, Isaac, Cole, and Riley; 13 great grandchildren, Violet, Grace, Eve, Alivia, Molly, Lily, Peyton, Demi, Vera, Paige, Madison, Penelope and Theodore; and numerous nieces and nephews.

                Bill was preceded in death by his parents, James and Anna; two brothers, Jimmy and Tom; and one sister, Mary Ann Frederick.

                Bill enjoyed traveling, gambling, playing cards, watching ball games, and feeding the birds.

                Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday, August 16th at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. The Very Rev. Jesse Burish will be celebrant of the funeral Mass. Entombment will be in Hope Mausoleum in Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

                Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at Noon on Friday, August 16th at the church.

                Bill’s family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for all their help through this difficult time, and friends and family for their support.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for William G. McIlquham, Sr. were held at Noon Friday, August 16 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.

                The Very Rev. Jesse Burish was celebrant of the funeral Mass assisted by Mass server, Owen Elstran. Entombment was in Hope Mausoleum in Chippewa Falls. Military rites were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

                Music during the Mass was provided by Cole McIlquham and Sue Van de Loo. Readings were given by Barbara McIlquham. Gift bearers were Bridget and Mary McIlquham.

                Casket bearers were Jamie, Linda, Paul, Scott, Tom McIlquham and William McIlquham, Jr.