Obituary of William J. McCleary Jr.

William “Willie” McCleary Jr., 90, of Zion, IL, passed away on Wednesday December 13, 2017 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Zion, Il on April 20, 1927, the son of the late William Sr. And Christina Malcolm McCleary. He was educated in the schools of Zion.  He served in the U.S. Navy during WWll.  

Following his service, he began employment with Koetz & Barton Plumbing Co until his retirement in 1987, following his retirement he began working as the plumbing inspector for the City of Zion until his retirement in 2016.

Willie was a lifetime member of the Zion Benton Moose Lodge 667 for 71 years, Zion Lions Club, where he coached little league baseball for many years, American Legion Post 865 and Wauconda Sportman’s Club.

Surviving Willie are his children; Debra (Ed) Gross of Wales, WI, Denise Birky of Winthrop Harbor, IL, David (Diane) McCleary of Waukegan, IL Darcelle (Larry) Krause of Pleasant Prairie, WI and DeAnn Oglesby of Zion, IL; 11 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren, 2 sisters Pat Gilbert and Margaret Culley.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce in 2015, 2 sisters; Christine Mihaljevic and Jean Hoyt, one brother Harry McCleary.

A Visitation will be held at the Congdon Funeral home 3012 Sheridan Rd. Zion, IL, on Sunday December 17th from 4-7 p.m. where there will be a Defending Circle Service provided by the Moose Lodge at 6:00 p.m..  The visitation will continue on Monday the 18th at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m.  Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  

Memorials appreciated to the Zion Benton Moose Lodge 667. 

“William was admired for his honesty, generosity, courage and dry sense of humor.  There are so many lives he touched in a positive way. So many many memories that bring a smile to our faces and show the wonderful person he was. So many stories about how he made a difference or made someone’s day.  Such a wonderful man will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”