William "Bill" A. Rich

EUREKA – William A. “Bill” Rich, 87, of Eureka, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026, at The Loft of Eureka surrounded by family. He was born on March 3, 1939, in Deer Creek, Illinois, to Lester and Evelyn (Riggs) Rich. Bill married Judith Taylor on December 5, 1958, in Eureka, Il. She preceded him in death on January 15, 2020.

Bill was also preceded in death by one son Roger A. Rich, three brothers, Lester Jr., Robert "Bobby", Richard "Dick" and four sisters, Norma Jean Shaw, Dorothy Hall, Yvonne Brandle, and Carol Jones; son-in-law Larry Blake, and grandson-in-law Jeff Siltman.

Surviving are daughters, Cynthia Taylor of Eureka, Susan (Kurt) Kamp of Deer Creek, Crystal Gerard of Goodfield and son, Mark (Shari) Rich of Deer Creek; daughter-in-law Amy Rich; grandchildren, Dawn Siltman, Nicholas (Amy) Blake, Kandace (Jonathan) Roth, Stephanie Rich, Hannah Rich, Karalyn (Andrew) Savignac-Rich, Kassandra Rich, Kaitlin Baker; great-grandchildren Morgan, Mylie, and Landyn Siltman, Kherington Blake, Brexley and Eliza Roth, and Winnie Savignac-Rich; brothers Gerald (Sue) Rich of Deer Creek and Mike (Elona) Rich of Florida; sister, Virginia Crawford of Oklahoma, and the entire administrative and medical staff who cared for him at The Loft of Eureka.

Bill worked as a Laborer and was a member of Pekin Laborers Local 231. Stories of Bill and his father, Lester, are legendary as Bill was well known for his prowess and work ethic. Bill spent several years working at G.A. Rich and Sons and eventually spent the last several years of his working career back on his childhood homestead and Rich Pork Farm. It was extremely gratifying to him to work at his childhood home place and to be a part of the farm’s transformation, making his work meaningful and giving him a strong sense of pride to walk the farm’s grounds with his family each day.

Making Bill’s acquaintance generally meant the making of a lifetime friendship. His gregarious personality, quick wit, storytelling, and a good joke left every interaction memorable. He loved being around people and social interaction allowed his personality to thrive. If you never met Bill, you missed out but if you met him you will never forget him. He was truly one of kind.   

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Mackinaw Chrisitan Church with visitation held prior from 9:30-11:00 a.m.  Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Deer Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eureka – Goodfield FDP & EMS 211 N. Main St., Eureka, IL 61530.

Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Mackinaw is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.davisoswaldfh.com.

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