William “Bill” J. Kline, a resident of Ft Myers, Florida and formally of Woodstock, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2021 at the age of 77. Bill was born in Woodstock Illinois, on April 25, 1944 to Ray and Martha Kline. He attended Woodstock High School where he met his wife Marilyn (Wernstrum) and graduated in 1962. Bill and Marilyn were married on July 18, 1964.
Bill is survived by his beautiful wife, Marilyn of 57 years, his daughters, Kimberly (Art) Kozak, Nicole (James) Horvat; grandchildren, Cassandra (fiancé Sam McDaid) Barrett, Thomas Barrett, Tyler Barrett, Andrew Horvat and Annalise Horvat. He is also survived by his brother, James (Rita) Kline and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Don Kline, Eddie Kline; a sister, Edith Kline and nephews Kelly Kline and Tim Kline.
In 1974 he started his tool and die business, Wm. J. Kline & Co., Inc and continued to be a part of it until his death. He was on the Woodstock Fire Department for 12 years which he loved, and was a member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge. When he was not working, you could find Bill traveling with his wife, golfing, fishing with Florida friends in the Gulf of Mexico and spending time with the grandchildren at dance recitals, band concerts, many sporting events of which Ultimate Frisbee was his favorite. He loved his annual fishing trip to Canada with his brother and friends. Bill lit up a room wherever he went with his contagious smile and the well-known “Kline” laugh. He was best known for his kind heart, loyal friendship by everyone from Illinois to Florida and everywhere in between. Bill accepted the best of everybody, was a peace maker and a great man.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home 1211 N. Seminary Avenue in Woodstock from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm with the Woodstock Fire Department walk through at 5:15pm and service at 5:30pm.
Memorials may be made to the Woodstock Fire Rescue District in memory of Bill.
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