William J. Lussow

Bill was known as a devoted husband and father who made parenting look effortless while setting an impossibly high standard. A natural entrepreneur, he built his businesses, Arlington Oil Company and the Village Pumps, on hard work, integrity, and showing up every single day. Who knew when he met Jane Bray in the fourth grade at Arlington Heights’ North School, she would become his wife in 1961 at the newly constructed First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights and the mother of his child, William J. Lussow Jr. in 1977.

He was the kind of dad who never missed a game, a tournament, or a moment that mattered, from Little League field to soccer fields, and to hockey rinks across the country. He believed deeply in education, graduating from Arlington Heights High School in 1956 and Colorado State University in 1960, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was delighted when his first grandchild, Lindsey Elizabeth, was born and then welcomed Emily and Mackinley into the family. He was dedicated to providing for his family, and valued creating lasting memories, especially the Loyola Academy Hockey trip to Switzerland. Through adventure, he loved traveling and especially exploring Door County.

Those who knew him best knew that beneath his quiet, steady nature was an extraordinary depth of loyalty, he received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship award from the Arlington Heights Lions Club, where he was a member for 57 years. He was a good husband, a good parent, and a good friend; he made it look like the most natural thing in the world.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; son, Bill Jr (Gretchen); grandchildren Lindsey, Mackinley, and Emily; brothers, John (deceased) and Fred (Niki), brother-in-law, Thomas (deceased) and Barbara Bray (Larry); nephews and nieces, Eric (Christine), Bret (Michelle), Nicholas (Kelli), Freddie; Caroyln (Alex) Paul, Paul (Nicole), Barbara (Ed) Smith, Patti Nelson and Thomas Bray (deceased); great nephews and nieces, Emily, Lucie, Evelyn, Fritz; Raina, JP and Zoe; Cade and Taylor; Avery and Jack; Kaelyn; and Jace; Tim (Becke) and Andrea Smith, Madison (Jayson) Acosta, Cade and Lily Nelson and Zachary Bray; great-great niece and nephew Ahleyah and Jayson Acosta, and one on the way; other extended family, friends and colleagues.

If you are able, please consider making a donation in Bills name, to the local Arlington Heights Lions Club: 609 S. Broadway St., McHenry, IL 60050.