William Irvin "Bill" De Zee Sr.

Our Patriarch, who seemed invincible, went to heaven to be with his beloved wife Phyllis after being surrounded by the love of his family at his home in Orangeville, Illinois on January 1, 2025 at the age of 91.

William Irvin "Bill" De Zee Sr was born May 1, 1933, in Joliet Illinois to Harold and Margaret (Zinser) De Zee in Joliet, Illinois He graduated from Joliet Central High School and Joliet Junior College.

He married the love of his life, Philomena "Phyllis" Benco, and they were blessed with 7 children, and he dedicated his life to providing love and support to his family. He worked for the Public Service Electric Company and later Commonwealth Edison as an Electrical Utility Supervisor until his retirement in 1991.

He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, offer an ear to listen, and be the one people turned to for sound advice. He volunteered as a 4H leader and taught faith formation. He was strong and what he called "determined" but most of us would have said stubborn. He was a self-taught repairman, jack-of-all-trades, and seemed he could fix anything. Many calls were made to Dear Old Dad, who always seemed to know how to save the day. He was always tinkering with something to get it exactly right. He had an extremely strong work ethic and was a mentor and teacher to many. He led quietly by example, and to many of us, he was our hero. He took great pride in his home and yard, spending many hours working hard to keep things looking pristine. He and Phyllis loved to travel, spending winters in Naples for 20 years and made many dear friends along the way.

He is survived by his children Deborah (Douglas) Kohls-De Zee of Madison, WI, Margaret De Zee of Kenosha, WI, Michael (Rebecca) De Zee of Lakeland, FL, and Mary (Darrell Scace) De Zee of Monroe, WI, and daughter in law Jane De Zee of Kenosha, WI; 18 grandchildren Anthony (Colleen) De Zee, Nicholas De Zee, Shane De Zee, Angelique (Tony) Bailey, Krystal (Craig) Jones, Kathryn (David) Harless, Heather De Zee, Jennifer De Zee, Jacqueline De Zee, Ruebin (Julia) Conterez, Robert Kohls, Rachael (Sean) Murphy, Christopher Baker, Patrick Baker, Samantha De Zee, Alexander De Zee, Ava Scace and Mya Scace and 21 great-grandchildren Riley (Nakia), Hawk, Ivy, Tanner (Macey), Piper, Willa, Gabriel, Logan, Solomon, Hezekiah, McKenna, BreAnna, Antonio, Carmine, Jaxson, Tyler, Marilyn, Nikolai, Tobias, Violet and Zade all of whom he dearly loved and was incredibly proud of, his sister Peggy Yanchick and of course many dear family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Phyllis who had dementia and he was proud to have cared for her at home until her very last breath, his sons Jacque DeZee, William De Zee Jr. and Kenneth De Zee, granddaughter Marlene De Zee, his parents, his father and mother-in-law Joseph and Margaret Benco and siblings Marilyn, Randy, David, and Georgine.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Monroe, Wisconsin. Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

The family is thankful for the care received by the St Croix hospice team. Most importantly, he was a man of great faith. He always said "We are put on this earth for a purpose. When your purpose is fulfilled, you leave this earth". Rest easy Dad, your work here is done, and your legacy will live on with your family.