William "Bill" J. Steward

May 17, 1917 - March 10, 2015

Durand � William �Bill� J. Steward, 97, of Durand, IL, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 17, 1917 in Rockton Township, IL to Elbert and Mary Ann (Kelley) Steward. He was raised in Owen Center Township by his grandparents, William and Ada (Liddle) Kelley, after his mother passed away. He married Arlene Fosler on August 14, 1949. Bill graduated from Barber school and worked for 30 years on the Durand Square. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from March 13, 1942 to March 13, 1946. Bill was a member and past Commander of the Durand American Legion Gold Star Post 676 and served as a service office for 70 plus years. He was also a member of the Durand Masonic Lodge #302, the VFW and Disabled American Veterans. He loved to play baseball and was an avid Cubs fan all of his life. Bill and his wife voluntarily placed American Flags throughout Center Street in the Village of Durand to commemorate special holidays. It was proclaimed William �Bill� Steward Day on Flag Day, June 14, 2009, in the Village of Durand. Bill is survived by his wife, Arlene, three sons, Keith, Kim and Kerry (Laurie) Steward, all of Durand, IL; a brother, Carl (June) Steward; grandchildren, Heather (Mark) Page, Stephanie Johnson, Greg (Jamie) Steward, Eric (Keiti) Steward, Kevin Steward and Shana (Justin) Roushia; great-grandchildren, Shaelyn, Jeremiah, Zachary and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brother, Ray Steward, and daughters-in-law, Joyce and Karen Steward. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2015, at the Durand American Legion Hall, 211 State Street, Durand, IL. Visitation will be from 5 pm. until 8 p.m. on Friday at the American Legion Hall, Durand, IL. Burial will be in the Owen Center Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Heimerdinger and Northern Illinois Hospice.