William R. Mack, Jr.

William Mack, 88, of Cary, IL, passed away July 1, 2017, at his home from Leukemia.

Our dad was a perfectionist. If you were going to do a job, “do it right”. Our dad in our minds could fix anything we broke as kids. Needless to say, he was always fixing something. You also did not want to get in trouble. He ruled with a strict hand. He taught us to respect others, to give of yourself, work hard, and do your best at what ever task you took on. “Don’t do it half assed”.  

Our dad was born on August 7, 1928, the son of William, Sr. and Dorothy (nee Kaminski) in Chicago, IL. He graduated from St. John Berchman Grade School in 1942 and Lane Tech High School in 1946. He then went to the University of Illinois, Champaign for Mechanical Engineering.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps from September 1946 to September 1949 and then was recalled from September 1950-September 1951. He was honorably discharged with rank of Staff Sergeant. His fondest memory is swimming in the ocean on Christmas Day in Guam.

Our dad met the love of his life, Jean ( nee Stock) and they married May 14, 1955 in Cicero, IL. For a short while they lived in Chicago, but then ventured out to Cary where they lived in the same house for 63 years. There they raised 5 children and took in many stray pets.

Bill worked a variety of jobs in his lifetime. He worked at Walgreens, G. M. Laboratories, Toastmaster Division of McGraw-Edison Corp., Elgin Water Softener Co., and finally the Multigraphics Division of A-M Corp. He was a lifelong member of S.S. Peter and Paul Church in Cary and a devout Catholic.

Our dad was involved in politics and was an Algonquin Township Auditor, McHenry County from 1965-1977. He was president of Silver Lake Property Association from 1962-1967, and was instrumental in having the roads paved in the subdivision. He also served as a Webelos Leader for four years and on the Boy Scout Committee for two years in Cary.

Our dad loved to fish and made several memorable trips to Canada with the boys. He also enjoyed his target shooting with guns and playing Euchre.  After Jean retired from work, they both enjoyed traveling around the world taking trips to Rome, China, Russia, Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and many more side trips around the United States and Europe.

Our dad is survived by his children, Diana (Bob) Wells of Genoa City, WI, James Mack of Bandon, OR, Katharine (Joe) Huemann of Johnsburg, IL, William (Kim) Mack of Valrico, FL, and Joseph (Kym) Mack of Genoa City, WI; thirteen grandchildren,  Mathew Wells, Jimmy and Cheryl Mack, Linda (Toby) Merrill, Joe Huemann, Michael (Deborah) Huemann, Teresa Huemann, Jessica (Victor) Couture, Jacob (Sara)Mack, Jaclyn Mack, Sarah Mack, Casey (Riley) Sampson, and Emily (Stephen) Hummel; five great-grandchildren, Connor Merrill, Noah and Audrey Couture, Selah Sampson, and Brooklyn Huemann,. He also will be missed by his friend, Barry Pezzullo.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents, William Sr. and Dorothy Mack; his brother, Roy J. Mack; and daughter-in-law, Linda Mack.

A Mass to celebrate our dad’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 29, at St. Patrick Church, 3500 Washington St., McHenry. Burial will be private.

He had much respect for the Salvation Army and always remembered, getting off the boat in Japan, the Salvation Army was there with a warm cup of coffee and supplies for the soldiers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or the charity of your choice.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go.  Some stay for a while and embrace our silent dreams. Throughout our lives we are sent precious souls—meant to share our journey however brief or lasting their stay—they remind us why we are here. Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same.

Dad may God Bless you and Keep You.

 Service Information