1947
William
2024
William "Bill" W. Vanvranken Jr.
April 5, 1947 — February 26, 2024
William "Bill" W. VanVranken Jr. lost his 5-year-long battle with Wegener's Disease and passed away in his sleep during the early morning hours of February 26th, 2024, at Allure Nursing Home in Mount Carroll, IL.
Bill was born in Chicago, IL, on April 5th, 1947, to Ruth VanVranken (Bogart) and William W. VanVranken Senior. As a young adult, he enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division, completed two tours in Vietnam, and was discharged with honors as a Purple Heart-awarded Sergeant before joining and later retiring from the Chicago Police Department. His life was replete with various ongoing endeavors. Dubbed by some as a jack of all trades and a master of a few, he embarked on adventures such as long-distance truck driving and business owner of a gas station, restaurant, and car dealership.
Bill will be remembered as a composed, strong, and prideful man who was rich and charitable in love and generosity. His benevolence, kindness, and sense of humor deeply impacted those who knew him, touching hearts until his final breath.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Paulette VanVranken; his caring son, William VanVranken III; his cherished daughters, Kim Scardine and Tammy Peters; five adored grandchildren; an esteemed son-in-law; and treasured friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13th, 2024, at Lanark Church of the Brethren with a memorial visitation held from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. before the service, please join the family at this time for coffee and sweets. Please consider donating to the VA (Veterans Affairs) in lieu of offering flowers or monetary gifts.
Rest in peace, dearest Bill. We will cast a line and take care of the 16th hole for you.
Until we meet again.
Bill was born in Chicago, IL, on April 5th, 1947, to Ruth VanVranken (Bogart) and William W. VanVranken Senior. As a young adult, he enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division, completed two tours in Vietnam, and was discharged with honors as a Purple Heart-awarded Sergeant before joining and later retiring from the Chicago Police Department. His life was replete with various ongoing endeavors. Dubbed by some as a jack of all trades and a master of a few, he embarked on adventures such as long-distance truck driving and business owner of a gas station, restaurant, and car dealership.
Bill will be remembered as a composed, strong, and prideful man who was rich and charitable in love and generosity. His benevolence, kindness, and sense of humor deeply impacted those who knew him, touching hearts until his final breath.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Paulette VanVranken; his caring son, William VanVranken III; his cherished daughters, Kim Scardine and Tammy Peters; five adored grandchildren; an esteemed son-in-law; and treasured friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13th, 2024, at Lanark Church of the Brethren with a memorial visitation held from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. before the service, please join the family at this time for coffee and sweets. Please consider donating to the VA (Veterans Affairs) in lieu of offering flowers or monetary gifts.
Rest in peace, dearest Bill. We will cast a line and take care of the 16th hole for you.
Until we meet again.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William "Bill" W. Vanvranken Jr., please visit our flower store.
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