William Joseph “Bill” Shileny – Mulkeytown, IL

On Sunday, May 30th, 2021, William Joseph Shileny, loving husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend to many passed away at the age of 72.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie (Schoenecke) Shileny, children Jonathan and Jennifer Shileny, granddaughter Jeniah Tate, sisters Betty Lou (Dennis) Northland and Becky Boots, brothers Daniel (Pamela) Vaclav and David (Gale) Schoenecke, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Veronica Shileny and brothers Stephen Reese and David (Doris) Vaclav.

Bill was born on December 8, 1948 to Veronica (Vaclav) and Francis Shileny in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After losing his own father at a young age, Bill took on the role of protector of his two sisters and beloved mother. He moved to Illinois with his uncle, Daniel Vaclav Sr. and Teta Carol as a young rebellious teenager. This is when he met the love of his life, Bonnie (Schoenecke) at Tinley Park High School. Theirs was a love story for the ages. Though her mom was not too happy with her selection at the time, he would win her over just as he did everyone that took the time to get through his tough exterior and see the amazing person he was inside. Bill proudly served in the Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970 fighting on an 8-inch Howitzer in Vietnam. And as he always used to say, “We were winning when I left.” He was a proud veteran and enjoyed many memorable Veterans Day weekends with his fellow soldiers. After returning home, he and Bonnie wed on August 28th, 1971. He was looking so forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this summer, and commented on one of his last days that she should “wear a crown” for putting up with him for all of those years.

1978 brought the birth of his twins, Jonathan and Jennifer, and he took to the role of father like he had trained for it his entire life. He was at every sporting event and dance recital; he was the car-pool dad and the one that took the neighborhood kids trick-or-treating (in full costume of course!) He brought color to the skies (and kept his kids off the streets) with many years as a hot-air balloon pilot, travelling the country flying high in Rainbow Thunder. He made many lifelong friends along the way and even organized an event to support farmers through ballooning. His crew captain, Bonnie, was always there heading up the chase team and supporting him through all of his crazy ideas and dreams – she truly was his biggest ally and teammate for every single one of those nearly 50 years – and that was not an easy task on some days! Bill was an avid Harley Davidson rider and loved to “hear the music” through his signature long hair. In 2006, Bill retired as the outside maintenance foreman of Orland Square Mall where he worked for over 25 years. Bill and Bonnie found true happiness in retirement at their little piece of paradise in Southern Illinois and made many dear friends there.

Bill was the life of the party and knew how to tell a story (mostly true) that would captivate the room. From his real-life Big Foot encounters to “running frogs,” he was the most charismatic and interesting person you could have the privilege to meet. He entertained his family and friends for many years with his annual non-traditional Christmas letters. He was not one to mince words, was as honest and loyal as they come, and always told it like it was. You always knew where you stood with him, and he would not back down from his convictions no matter whom it offended, but he did respect everyone’s opinions even if he thought they were wrong. He was respected by all that met him.

In 2013 Bill became a Papa to his only granddaughter, Jeniah. She made the ever-present twinkle in his eye even brighter. He loved her with his whole heart and would do anything to make her laugh or smile. From the moment she was born, his only wish was to “be around long enough for Jeniah to remember him when he was gone” and there is no question the place in her heart that he will always hold – she ADORED him.

Bill would be the first to tell you that he had more fun than 100 people and he never expected to make it past 50 – so these last 22 years have just been icing on the cake. He truly lived each day to the fullest, and left the world exactly as he would have wanted – still making the nurses laugh up until his last minutes. He will be forever missed and loved, but that twinkle in his eye will live on in Bonnie, Jon, Jenny, Jeniah, and all that knew and loved him. We can all be comforted knowing that he will be there to greet us when our time comes, probably with a beer and a shot of tequila, and a good story to tell – as he would say, “catch ya on the flip side.”

A big party celebrating his amazing life will be held on Saturday, July 3rd at their place in Mulkeytown, IL. If you cannot attend the “Bill Bash” please light a firework or two and have a drink in his honor.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com