William R. Simons

William “Bill” Simons, devoted husband and father, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 16,1934, to the late Robert and Loy (Shelnut) Simons. Having grown up in Chicago, he would amaze his children on a regular basis with his knowledge of every street in the city, the name of every neighborhood, and directions to any destination in the city. As a true Chicagoan, it goes without saying that he was a diehard Cubs fan.

At four years old, Bill’s mother became a single parent, which contributed to his independence and determination for which he was known. At 20, he enlisted in the United States Air Force with his childhood friend, where he worked on radar and guidance systems. While in training in Colorado, he met the love of his life, Geri, who he romantically pursued until she said “I do.” Their love story continued for 66 years, and they raised their family together lovingly, first as parents, then as grandparents and great grandparents.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Bill enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. He was very proud that he was able to serve in two branches of the Armed Services. Bill spent his lifelong career in metallurgic heat treating, starting at Solar Aircraft in Des Moines, IA, after attending Coe College in Cedar Rapids. In 1964, he founded the Scientific Metal Treating Company along with his friend and business partner, which he co-owned and operated until his retirement.

Bill was a self-made man who pursued many interests, but all of these were guided by his commitment to his principles, no matter what the cost. Those principles were grounded in his faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. While pursuing his business endeavors, he served in various leadership roles at Mt. Prospect Bible Church. Those included Chairman of the Board, Deacon, AWANA Commander, and Youth Group Director. However, Bill’s favorite role was choir member. Friends and family have many memories of Bill singing in the church choir and in a variety of roles in church cantatas. He loved singing both hymns and popular songs in his signature bass voice.

Bill was quietly generous and wholeheartedly followed the commandment in the book of Matthew to “secretly do good deeds so that only the Father will see you.” Even his family does not know the great number of people his generosity impacted over the years. His was a life that truly embodied what it meant to be a servant of Jesus Christ.

Bill is survived by his four children, Charmaine (Bob) Arosen, William “Bill” (Nancy) Simons Jr., Steven “Steve” (Cindy) Simons, and Miriam (Nick) Campbell; along with grandchildren, Lindsay (AJ) Loredo, Crystal (Jordan) Schmidt, Victoria (Dan) Basinger, Dena (David) Kuhns, David (Kristin) Arosen, William “Billy” Simons III, Joshua (Alexandra) Simons, Zachary Simons, Nicholas Simons, and his 15 great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Please join the family on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, for visitation at 9:30 A.M and service at 10:30 A.M, at Northwest Bible Baptist Church, 9N889 Nesler Road, Elgin, Illinois 60124. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 East Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, Illinois at 1:00 PM.