William “Bill” J. Gaske, 72, of Arlington Heights, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Northwest Community Hospital. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2025, he bravely underwent a full treatment of radiation and remained on medication therapy until his passing.
He was born in Oak Park, IL, on May 10, 1954, the son of Joseph Edwin and Florence (Klemchuk) Gaske. Bill married Sharon Hertel in Chicago on January 2nd, 1988.
Bill earned his Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Iowa State University and was a member of Sigma Chi. He later earned his MBA at Lake Forest College.
Bill was eternally inquisitive, and always asked hard - and somewhat forward - questions to stimulate conversation. This served him well in his professional career, the height of which he spent serving the Bank of Springfield (BOS) for 15 years as the Chief Information Officer. Previously, he owned a company called Strategic Decision Technology, and worked for other companies over the years. His dedication to his work transformed BOS into the company it is today. His tenacity, intelligence, and love shown through in everything he did, and will inspire his family to live on.
He was a proud father, always encouraging his children to strive for greatness and to seek professions that bring them happiness. He challenged them to continuously learn and ask questions about the world, not straying away from difficult conversations. Together, they all enjoyed tinkering and toying with remote control vehicles, waking up early before school to fly airplanes or run cars in nearby fields. He also participated in youth programs with both Nelson and Marilyn, Indian Guides and Indian Princesses, respectively.
Bill gave back to his community through volunteerism throughout his life. He spent many years judging tournaments and assisting with programming through the First Lego League, charming young minds into further interest in technology and the sciences. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was blessed to meet his twin baby granddaughters, Bethany and Barbara. Most Mondays, he spent time with his toddling granddaughter Florence, and greatly enjoyed seeing her learn how the world works.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Florence Gaske and brother, Joseph Gaske.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, of 38 years, Sharon Gaske; cherished children, Nelson Gaske and Marilyn (Jackson) Hill; dear grandchildren, Florence Hill, Bethany Hill, and Barbara Hill; beloved sister, Margaret (Chris) Allen; niece, Katey (Brian) Murphy; nephews, Phillip (Erin) Gaske and Joseph (Colleen) Gaske; and sister-in-law, Janet Gaske.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society. Link: https://www.cancer.org/
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will be at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Cemetery in Mundelein, IL.
