William R. 'Bill' Willett

DIXON – William R. “Bill” Willett, 77, of Dixon, died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018, at Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon.

He was born Oct. 23, 1941, in Dixon, the son of Ross and Mary Jane (Oswald) Willett. Bill owned and operated Bill’s Plumbing and Heating in Dixon from 1972 until his retirement.

Bill volunteered for and was very active in the JayCees and was awarded JCI Senate Membership No. 17398. In 1972, he led the drive to purchase the first ambulances for the Dixon Fire Department In 1973-74 he was awarded Outstanding Illinois JayCees Northwest Regional Director, and in 1975-76 was awarded outstanding JCI Senate Director. He served as Illinois JCI president in 1974-75, and was the number one recruiter in the nation.

He was inducted into the Illinois JayCee Hall of Fame in 2001. He also had served as JCI Railsplitter Corps commander. Bill served as Illinois JCI pin chairman for many years, and was a founding member of the Illinois JCI Foundation Scholarship fund.

Bill was a NASCAR fan and loved collecting beer steins and Hot Wheels. He enjoyed honky tonk music, going to flea markets and watching television shows about antiques.

Bill married Karen Anderson Sept. 30, 1961, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Dixon.

Bill is survived by his wife, Karen, daughter, Wendy Willett, and son-in-law, Kent Hohlen, all of Dixon; and grandchildren, Justin (Christy) Hohlen of Rantoul and Lexie Hohlen of Dixon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Susan Hohlen; and infant brother, John Ross Willett.

Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no services. Jones Funeral Home in Dixon handled arrangements.

Memorials have been established to the Illinois JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship Fund and Serenity Hospice & Home.

Visit thejonesfh.com to send condolences.