William Merritt Morefield

William “Bill” Merritt Morefield of Woodstock, Illinois was born on July 7, 1937 at Michael Reese Hospital Chicago, Illinois to Clarence O. and Dorothy J. (Merritt) Morefield. He passed away peacefully on the morning of August 19, 2017 surrounded by loved ones.

Bill was a 1956 graduate of Monmouth High School, a graduate of the Galesburg Licensed Practical Nurse Program, and a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Bill brought his young family to Woodstock, Illinois in 1969 when he was hired as the Administrator for Valley Hi Nursing Home for McHenry County, a position in which he proudly served for seventeen years. He was then promoted as the first County Administrator for McHenry County, serving in this position for seven years until his retirement in 1993. Bill then worked as a Marketing Consultant with Legat Architects of Waukegan, Illinois for thirteen years.

Bill enjoyed life and people and throughout his entire time in Woodstock and McHenry County, Bill served numerous organizations as a member of boards and committees including, but not limited to: Easter Seals of McHenry County, McHenry County College, McHenry County Fair Board, Northern Illinois University, and the Woodstock High School Backers Club. In addition, he served on the Woodstock High School Football "Chain Gang" for many years, served as a timer for Woodstock High School Wrestling for 25 years, and coached his son in Woodstock Little League.

Bill was an avid fisherman and enjoyed golfing and bowling. More than anything, he enjoyed attending the various activities of his grandchildren which included baseball, softball, band and choir concerts, and plays. He was also a huge fan and supporter of his grandson's band Stockwood/Beatolution, attending hundreds of shows throughout the country.

Bill is survived by his wife, Judy (nee Weeks) Morefield; children, Kathryn Blanks, Cindy (Allan) Thomson and Derik Morefield; grandchildren, Christian and Thaddeus Blanks, Amber Thomson and John and Kelsi Morefield; brother, Gary (Linda) Morefield; sister, Judy (Denny) Garkey; and brother-in-law and wife, Larry and Joann Weeks; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

To remember and celebrate Bill, a Celebration of Life service and reception will be on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church, 8505 Church Street, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012. Pastor John Dillon will be officiating. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 am and will be followed immediately by the reception in the church's fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, Bill has requested that memorial donations be made in honor of Hope Fuller and Bill Morefield to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, ATTN: Dr. Stewart Goldman, Pediatric Brain Tumor Program, 225 East Chicago Avenue, Box 4, Chicago, Illinois 60611.