William C. Botts

William C. Botts, 83, of Woodstock, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Centegra Hospital – Huntley with his family by his side.

He was born April 16, 1934 in Woodstock to Bernice (Lembcke) Botts. He married his high school sweetheart Marlene Elizabeth Schroeder on October 23, 1958 at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock.

William graduated from Woodstock High School with the class of 1953. He enjoyed following the Blue Streaks sports events, especially the two Football State Championships they won in 1983 (4-A) and 1997 (5-A). He was an avid sports fan, Chicago’s Blackhawks, Bears, Bulls, but most of a White Sox fan since 1950. His family was also big NASCAR fans, traveling to some of the big tracks. He took them to the West Coast many times enjoying the great scenic National Parks and California’s beautiful southern and central Pacific coast. William and his wife toured nine countries in Europe in 1987 and also went on many cruises. His wife was the love of his life and his co-pilot at his side in all their travels. He loved photography and going to the movies. He had a special love for his flower gardens, lawn and home.

He retired in 1998 from Union Special Corporation in Huntley, with 45 years as a machinist and spray painter.

William served his country in the U.S. Army’s 5th Division in Munich, Germany during 1954 - 1956. He was a member of the Rifle team that finished 1st in the N.A.T.O. games held in Cologne, Germany in 1955. He had the highest score while leading his team in shooting the B.A.R. He was honored by the Stars and Stripes military newspaper in Europe. He was a life time member of Woodstock’s VFW Post 5040.

In 1969 he helped start and coached the Woodstock Girls Softball Fast Pitch League with just 42 girls, 9 to 12 years old, and eventually started and coached a woman’s traveling league.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years; three children, Cyndi (Ken) Kramer, Rick (Sue) Botts, and Debby (Joe) Hoeflich; a very special granddaughter, Elizabeth Kramer; two sisters, Dorothy Potoczky, and Joan Struck; four sisters-in-law, Pat Botts, Vivian Botts, and Lois Schroeder; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, three brothers; Don, Larry, and Jack Botts, sisters-in-law, Rita Schroeder, Jolenta Botts; four brothers-in-law, John Potoczky, Jerry Struck, Don Schroeder and Burt Schroeder, nephew John Robert Potoczky Jr.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock from 9:00 am until the Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in McHenry County Memorial Park Cemetery in Woodstock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock, IL, or the Woodstock Fire Rescue District.

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