William Specht Sr.

William Specht was born in Chicago to parents Myrtle and Arthur Specht. His brother Bob and twin sisters June and Jane were already grown when he was born. His father was a Chicago Police Detective who only wanted the best for his family. He was raised on the south side of Chicago. His father passed away when he was barely a teen, and he helped take care of his mother the best he could. When he was able, he enlisted in the Air National Guard. There he learned the skills to become an aircraft mechanic, and serve his country.

He met and fell in love with Judy Hayes, and they married soon after. They moved to the suburb of Nordic Park, IL and had their first child, William Arthur, Jr. William, Sr was stationed at O'Hare Airport, and continued with the National Guard. After a few years had passed, they adopted their daughter, Heather. Soon, their house was too crowded, and they moved to Itasca, IL. While in Itasca, he bought a sailboat, and over the years passed down his love of sailing and the open water to his kids.

The family spent a long time in Itasca, and enjoyed a good life there until his wife Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1986, after a few years and a long valiant fight, Judy succumbed to the illness. William was devastated, and would never be the same. But he persevered with the Air National Guard, and strove to better himself. He enrolled in college. He studied hard, and finally graduated.

After 34 years in the Air National Guard, he retired and moved to Schaumburg with his daughter Heather. He dove into life and bought his first motorcycle, riding every chance he got. He opened a Mail Boxes, Etc. in Des Plaines and ran a successful business there for years.

Wanting to enjoy his retirement, he decided that he was done with the business world and sold the business. He then moved to Tulsa, OK for a few years. One of the reasons he moved was to get away from the Chicago winters, but Tulsa was still too cold for him, so he decided to move to Florida to be closer to his friends from the guard, Len and Kathy. He moved to Bradenton, FL.

Even though he loved Florida, he missed being near his family. He moved to Richmond, IL to be closer to his son Bill and his wife Michele and their two children, his granddaughter Jordan and grandson Jack. His daughter was living in the city of Chicago with her husband Daymion. Soon after, they would move to Long Beach, CA.

Unfortunately, during his time in Richmond, his health began to decline. In order to take better care of his father, Bill, Jr. moved him to a care facility close to his house on the South Side of Chicago. Bill spent a lot of time caring for his father, who became confined to a wheelchair during this time.

In September of 2012, William was diagnosed with colon cancer. After having surgery to treat the cancer, William's health deteriorated quickly. He was just not strong enough to fight anymore, and passed away on September 22nd, 2012.

He was cremated and buried next to his wife Judy at Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, IL. There was a memorial held graveside under clear blue skies, and his beloved planes flying overhead. The Air Force honored his service with an honor guard, the flag folding, taps, and the firing of rounds. A fitting end honoring his lifetime of service to the air National Guard. He would have loved it.

After all these years, he can now rest peacefully with his wife Judy. You will forever be in our hearts.

The family would love if you would please sign the guest book and leave a memory of William.