William J. Marinelli

He was born on January 23, 1945 in Springfield, the son of the late James and Dorothy (Burton) Marinelli.

Bill had worked for the State of Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring in 2000. Never an idle man, in his retirement he worked for his brother Jack at Phillips Brothers Printing and O’Connor Mailing. He also worked for his grandson at Gage’s Poultry Plus where he was awarded Employee of the Year and Most Injuries in a year. He was a member of Quails Forever and attended Ducks Unlimited events. He loved to help his son Kevin with weekend jobs and always wanted to help with outside work when visiting his other kids. At almost any day of the week, he could be found at his brother Jack’s where they sometimes worked in the yard with minor injuries and always with a cold one in hand. He loved his kids and grandkids above all else and attended every sporting, dance, skating, graduation and wedding event. Every evening together was celebrated with a game of spoons, farkle, uno, BS or other crazy and fun-filled game. He was proud to have been an attendee at every Kentuckypalooza since 2001, where he rode four wheelers with the grandkids and also enjoyed a cold one with his family. His favorite pastimes included fishing and hunting and was a big NASCAR fan. He had great fishing partners in John & Tom, often greatly lowering the stock in Jack’s pond or Sangchris Lake. He would never turn down a chance to then enjoy the catch at a fish fry with friends and family. He instilled a passion for hunting in his youngest granddaughter, Peyton, who would hunt with him at The Farm. He most recently attended the Martinsville race with Mike, Kevin and Rob where Bill was excited to meet and have his picture taken with Richard Childress.

He is survived by his 4 children, Rachele (husband Brian) Conant of DeKalb, IL, Lori (husband Rob) Edwards of North Carolina, Michael (wife Shawna) Marinelli of Kentucky, and Kevin (wife Danielle) Marinelli of Dawson, IL; 6 grandchildren, Brandt, Erick, Gage, Peyton, Madeline, and Cali; 1 great-granddaughter Scarlett; and 1 brother Jack (wife Katie) Marinelli of Springfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield where visitation will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 3 to 5 pm. Per his wishes, cremation rites will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 610 N. 7th St., Springfield, IL 62702.