William A. “Bill” Denham III was born in Pontiac, Michigan on August 26, 1948, as the first child of William A. and Shirley J. (Goebel) Denham. He joined the Church Triumphant on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, (May and December 2013 respectively) and brother Charles (March 2004). Bill is survived by his beloved wife Mary Washko Denham, son William A. “Will” Denham IV, brother Christopher Denham, sister Kimberley Krueger (Mark) and numerous nephews and nieces. Several well-driven vehicles also preceded him, but, thankfully, not to the same place where he now is.
Bill attended grade and high school in Royal Oak, Michigan, graduating high school in June 1966. He earned his B.S. in Political Science from Oakland University (Rochester, Michigan) in August 1971; and his M.A. (June 1974) and Ph.D. (December 1980) in Political Science from Northern Illinois University (NIU, Dekalb, Illinois). During various semesters at NIU he served as a research assistant, teaching assistant or undergraduate instructor.
Bill was employed as a civil servant with the State of Illinois for 22 years. He worked as a data analyst and program administrator for the Department of Public Aid and the Department of Energy and Natural Resources. He also taught Political Science and History courses for several semesters as an adjunct instructor at Lincoln Land Community College.
Bill was most blessed to be married to Mary Washko on October 6, 1984, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church. Son Will joined the family on July 17, 1991. Bill was active in the life of Trinity Lutheran congregation and the Central Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, serving in many capacities.
Bill began volunteering as a part-time tour guide at the Dana-Thomas House in July 1982. It was during the June 1982 training sessions there that he first met Mary…and began his “never-ending story” together with her.
Bill endured the up and down (admittedly mostly down) records of Detroit sports teams (taking great satisfaction in the Tigers 1968 World Series championship over the St. Louis Cardinals) and closely followed motor sports and America’s Cup racing.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 220 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL beginning at 9:00 am until 10:45 am. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Aaron Mueller, Pastor Jonathan Sharp, and Vicar Tim Good officiating. Inurnment will be private in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the CID-LCMS Dollars for Missions, 1850 North Grand Ave. W., Springfield, IL 62702.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
