William A. Zars

William A. Zars, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away on June 28, 2025. He was born to Arnold and Marjorie Zars (nee Miller) of Palos Heights, Illinois, on July 9, 1956. Although he was an only child, Bill grew up with three boisterous boys next door and survived many misadventures which made his mother’s heart faint.

He developed an interest in art and photography in high school and got a job working in the darkroom at the Regional News, the local weekly newspaper. Eventually, Bill started taking all the photos for the paper and then went on to freelance for the North Shore group of Pioneer Press publications and the Arlington Heights-based Daily Herald before becoming a staff photographer there.

As a Herald senior photographer, he covered breaking news, pro sports and features. His assignments could range from shooting Michael Jordan in a Bulls game to Barack Obama at a press conference or Julia Child on a book tour.

But the core of Bill’s work was portraying the stories of ordinary people. Whether it was neighbors cleaning up storm damage, the high school team celebrating a big win, the “cook of the week” sharing a favorite recipe or people opening up about their personal pain and challenges, Bill approached it all with compassion and empathy. He knew he was privileged to illustrate their lives for more than 20 years at the Herald before retiring.

Bill appreciated the simple pleasures of life like fishing on a remote lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, tending a smokey grill full of brats in the summer, serving an elaborate holiday dinner for friends, watching and feeding the birds around the yard, catching a beautiful sunset or moon and having a cat curl up on his lap.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Kay Riley; and his brother-in-law, Jim Riley. He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no formal visitation or funeral service in accordance with his wishes.