William T. Umbenhower

William Umbenhower Sr. passed peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of January 22, 2023. He was 78 years old.

He was born on April 29, 1944, to Edward and Lucille (Schramm) Umbenhower. He was the 2nd of 2 children. He attended Elmwood Park High School and at the same time, began his career as an auto mechanic. Starting off at gas stations, moving up to work at dealerships, and ultimately ending up at Pepper Construction in Barrington as the shop foreman responsible for the entire fleet of company cars. He was very good at what he did and worked hard until his retirement in 2009 from Pepper Construction after 27 years.

In November of 1963 he met Kathleen Dolores McNevin in Niles Illinois.  Bill and Kathy were married on February 20, 1965 and would have celebrated 58 years of marriage this February.

Bill was a proud member of Automobile Local 701. He coached baseball and softball for his children’s teams as they were growing up.  He enjoyed fishing and attending sporting events. He loved football and was a lifelong Detroit Lions fan. He passed along his love of the lions to his children and his grandchildren.   He looked forward to his yearly trip to Lac Vieux Desert in Land O Lakes, Wisconsin, where he and his wife and family had vacationed and fished for over 36 years. He enjoyed target shooting with his friend Mike as well as with his brother-in-law, Ed.  He enjoyed getting together with his “coffee friends” as well as his “gym friends”. He also enjoyed dinners with his wife and her former work colleagues.  He enjoyed being with his family, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.   In 2014 he and his wife fulfilled a lifelong dream and traveled to Ireland. 

Bill loved and was very proud of his family. He will be remembered as a loving man of character who adored his family. He was hard working and loyal and will be truly missed by his family and loved ones.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Lucille.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen, his son; William Jr (Kamie) and his daughter Jennifer.  Two grandchildren Joshua (Kailey) and Jennelle (Bruce) and 5 Great Grandsons: Jaxon, Cooper, Kameron, Tate and Payton.  He is survived by his brother Edward (Janice) Umbenhower as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, February 6th, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by a service from 1-2 at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin and Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock.

Luncheon will be held at 2:30 at Offsides Sports Bar & Grill, 680 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock IL 60098.

Donations in Williams name can be made to Journey Care Barrington Pepper Family Hospice Care Center through the Addus Hope Foundation (http://journeycare.org)

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