George Willy

On Friday, October 16, 2015, George Willy, 86, of Beecher, formerly of Blue Island, passed away peacefully with his wife, Rosalind, at his side, after a 5 year battle with Lewy Body dementia at the Beecher Manor, Beecher, IL. George was born in Blue Island on December 18, 1928 to George and Margaret Willy. He married his soul mate, Rosalind Alice (Beedy) Willy on March 14, 1970. They shared their life with a number of 4-legged “children”. Charlie and Otto will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for George. Muffin remains with Rosalind. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret Willy, his brother Ted and wife, Gloria, and other cousins, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Rosalind and Muffin, in addition to 4 nephews and 1 niece. He was a great friend and mentor to many with interests in the automotive field. George was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association since 1953 and enjoyed all aspects of flying. He got his pilot license when he was 16 years old. He loved flying his Rans Coyote off our property. Some of his happiest times were spent riding his 1940's Indian motorcycles. He worked for the Beecher School District for more than 20 years. He raced dragsters in the early 1950's and cars at Raceway Park in the ‘60's and ‘70's. Don’t forget the Piewagon ! He served in the 101st Airborne Paratroopers during the Korean Conflict. He was very active in the STAND organization from the beginning when it was RURAL, making speeches, and writing articles and letters constantly. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, November 7th at the Hack Funeral Home, 753 Hodges Street, Beecher, IL. Friends may greet the family from 10 AM to 3:30 PM, followed by a memorial service. Rev. Robert Schroeder, who married George and Rosalind at the Evangelical Church in Blue Island, will be officiating at the service. Inurnment will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Friends of the Beecher Library or Harbor Lights Hospice.