ROCKFORD – Beyond the sunset, safe evermore, William D. “Bill” Leopold Sr. of Mendota has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior and reunited with the ones he loved. Bill passed away Thursday, July 28, 2011, at Rockford Memorial Hospital. He was employed by Scherer Freight Lines, rising to the level of vice president of operations, before spending 28 years serving his clients as a financial representative with IDS Financial Services. While working for IDS, he was a multimillion-dollar producer, honored with membership into the IDS Hall of Fame.
Bill was born June 19, 1928, in Ottville, the son of Joe and Mayme (Michael) Leopold. He attended Seatonville schools and Hall High School, Spring Valley. While in high school, Bill enlisted in the Marine Corps and proudly served from July 1945 to November 1947, attaining the rank of sergeant. Through the Marine Corps Institute, Bill completed his high school education and graduated in uniform with his Hall High School class.
He married Edith L. Thompson on March 5, 1946, in Davenport, Iowa. They made their first home in Seatonville, and in 1953, moved to LaSalle, where they reared five sons. He enjoyed extensive travels and especially time spent with his family. He treasured the many hunts for deer and pheasants, and hours spent fishing in Ontario, Canada, with his sons and grandsons.
He is survived by his sons, William D. (Roz) Leopold II of LaSalle, Jody R. (Marlene) Leopold of Dixon, Zane K. Leopold of Spring Hill, Fla., Blake D. (Esther) Leopold of Land O’Lakes, Fla., and Todd L. (Delinda) Leopold of Princeton; one sister, Vivian Eitutis of Kentucky; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edith; his parents; one brother, Harold; and one granddaughter, Carly.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Barto Funeral Home, Spring Valley, and from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Seatonville Congregational Church Independent. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Stephen Adamson officiating. Interment with military honors will be at Valley Memorial Park, Spring Valley.
Memorials may be made to Seatonville Congregational Church Independent, or Abigail Women’s Clinic, Mendota.
Visit www.bartofh.com to send condolences.