Willard A. Allen

Bill was born in Chicago, IL on Nov 17, 1931 to Willard B. and Alberta (Peters) Allen. He passed away peacefully on Sept 21, 2023 at the Moorings of Arlington Heights where he and Joanne were long time residents. Bill grew up in Deerfield, IL and played baseball while attending Highland Park High School. He attended and graduated from Lake Forest College, where he met the love of his life, Joanne Ralston. Bill and Joanne were married in 1953, just before Bill was drafted and served in the US Army in Okinawa.

Bill and Joanne eventually moved to Arlington Heights where they raised their children Nancy (Joe) Majkowski, Susan (Kelvin) Kraemer, and Jim (Carmen) Allen. In addition to his children, Bill is survived by his grandchildren Joseph (Stephanie) Kraemer, Joshua (Erin) Kraemer, Chris (Jennifer) Allen, Abigail (Justin) Blocker, Kate (John) Hayes, Kyle Allen, John (Elizabeth) Kraemer, Mark (Rebekah) Kraemer, Justin (Emily) Allen, Matthew (Naomi) Kraemer and Christopher Kraemer, plus 19 great-grandchildren, and his sisters Audrey Benson Wilson and Barbara (Bill) Walker.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joanne, and grandson Michael Majkowski.

Bill worked as a manager for Illinois Bell and AT&T, and spent his spare time coaching little league baseball, playing golf and handball, gardening and planning family vacations. He was a life-long Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He prided himself on always having a shiny clean car and even went so far as to wash vehicles for neighbors and family.

Bill will be loved and remembered for his quick wit, clever sayings, sage advice, commitment to his family, especially his wife of 65 years, and his faith in Jesus Christ.

A private memorial service will be planned in the future.

Donations in Bill’s memory may be given to either The Geneva Foundation of Presbyterian Homes, 8707 Skokie Blvd, Ste 400 Skokie, IL 60077, https://presbyterianhomes.org/foundation these donations will be directed to the Moorings Employee Appreciation Fund, or Willow Creek Community Church 67 West Algonquin Road, South Barrington, IL 60010 https://www.willowcreek.org

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.