William E. Kallister

Edelstein - William E. “Bill” Kallister, 80, passed away peacefully at his home on December 21, 2010. While recovering from a recent surgery in the hospital he succumbed to pneumonia and was brought home for his final two days.

He was born September 30, 1930, in Peoria to Helen (Bruce) and Robert Kallister. He married Jackie Worms on March 23, 1952, was married 58 years, and enjoyed a loving relationship of 62 years. She survives.

Also surviving are his son, Kevin Kallister (Dunlap), daughter Kristy (Neil) Sullivan, and his very special daughter whom he cherished, Karen Kallister of Peoria; grandsons William (Mariko) Kallister of Chicago, Bob Kallister of Washington, Jeffrey Kallister of Peoria, and his only granddaughter, Jennifer Kallister of Peoria. Grandpa was thrilled that he lived long enough to see his first great-grandchild, Ken Kallister of Chicago, now 2 years old. He has three surviving brothers: David (Martha) Kallister of Glasford, Tom Kallister of Peoria, Robert J. (Cindy) Kallister of Bellevue and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his oldest son, Kenneth, daughter-in-law, Michelle Kallister, and his parents.

Bill was a successful, self-taught businessman. He was President/co-owner of S&K Chevrolet car dealership in Peoria and S&K Pontiac - GMC in Springfield, retiring in 1997. His son Kevin and grandson Jeffrey continue to operate the Springfield dealership. Bill was very successful in the car industry receiving numerous awards for sales, managerial, and dealer operations. He served on the National Chevrolet Dealer Council and was a past president of the Peoria Metro Car Dealers Association. Bill was also an inventor. He invented, patented, and manufactured the first breakdown bow of its kind which was named Magna-Flite with his life-long friend, Gerald Schaffer. Bill was also past president of the Peoria Kickapoo Archery Club.

Bill’s passion was bow hunting, especially deer, which he did for 68 years. He held national and world records for shooting game animals with a bow and arrow. During one health crisis when Bill was paralyzed from his waist down, he still persevered to hunt with the help of his devoted, best friend, Gene Cooper.

Bill lived a very fulfilling, adventurous, successful, and rich life. We will miss his love, wit, sense of humor, wisdom, business-savvy, bravery, generosity and presence. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, and friend to many far and wide, who raised us with good values and set an example for us all.

Visitation will be Monday, December 27 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home on Allen and Willow Knolls Roads in Peoria. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 28 at 11 am at Northwoods Community Church with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Lutheran Cemetery in South Peoria.

Contributions may be made to a memorial fund established at Southside Bank for the promotion and education of youth archery, in memory of Bill Kallister. Please visit Bill’s Life Story at www.woolsey-wilton.com.