Obituary of William Grogan

Bill “Pa” Grogan, 89, of Beach Park, IL passed away peacefully on August 4, 2018,  at home surrounded by his loving family.

Pa was born January 26, 1929 in Kennett, MO. He and his childhood sweetheart, Pauline Tallman, took a bus to Union City, TN to get married at the ages of 15 & 17 because no one would sign for their young marriage.  They went on to raise 3 daughters and remained happily married until her passing in 2008.  Bill’s passion was driving trucks.  He eventually earned a spot in the Million Mile Club having driven over 1 million miles in his 60 plus year career behind the wheel.  He was the owner of Beach Park Freight Lines.  He was also a member of the Zion-Benton Moose Lodge, IRA Sprint Car Association, and a regular at table 13 for breakfast at the Hickory House.  Pa loved anything involving a race.  He also spent much time fishing, hunting and hiking at his cabin up north.  In his younger years he enjoyed motorcycle endurance runs and hill climbs.  He will be missed by his beloved dog, Ms. Marley.  Pa loved everyone and had a gift of humor.  He always said that he was “a 16 year old in an 89 year old body”.

Pa is survived by his daughters, Billie “Jeannie” (Ed) Holm of Waukegan, and Paulette (Joey) Pilman of Beach Park; son-in-law, Robert Walker of Beach Park; grandchildren, Billy Walker, Shane (Karin) Walker, Amy Holm, Abbey Holm, Joseph (Brezzy) Pilman, Serene Pilman, and Chelsey Pilman; great-grandchildren, Jody, Jackson, Collin, Noah, Haley, Joseph, Riley, Cason, Kyla, and Lilley; siblings, Barney, Sharon and Sheila; many friends, and all who called him “Pa”.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Marston and Naomi Grogan; wife, Pauline; daughter, Tanya Walker; grandson, Jody Walker; and brothers and sisters.

The first visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at North Point Church, 900 Lewis Ave, Winthrop Harbor, IL.  Second visitation will held on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.  Funeral service will take place at the church on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the AMVETS, Kiwanis, or the Zion Moose Lodge.