OBITUARY

Willard "Bill" George Lacken III

March 11, 1965 – February 17, 2021

Willard “Bill” George Lacken III, 55, of Fredon Township, died Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at Newton Medical Center.

Bill was born in Newton and a lifelong resident of Fredon Township. He graduated Kittatinny High School in 1983, and then attended the Technical Career Institute where he received an Auto Mechanic Certificate in 1984. Bill primarily worked in construction. He also earned certificates in several other fields of study. Most recently he worked with his brother, Michael.

Bill was a very loving and generous man. All who met him loved him and he had no enemies. He loved his family dearly. Bill was an excellent cook and enjoyed sharing his delicious culinary creations with everyone. He loved nature, children and animals and especially enjoyed being Uncle to Chevy. Bill would give names to all the bugs and spiders in his home and rescued 3 baby squirrels, Chico, Alvin and Theodore, and kept them for 2 years because he wasn’t ready to let them go. Bill was always willing to help people even if it took hours of research to solve the problem. He loved fishing, nature watching, NASCAR and sports. Bill stayed positive, courageous and caring throughout his last struggle.

Bill is survived by his mother, Linda Lacken (Stone); his father, Willard G. Lacken, Jr. (Vivienne); his brother, Michael J. Lacken ( Marty); his sister, Deborah Lacken; and his half-brother, Chris Lacken (Allison); his nieces and nephews, Madison, Morgan, Michael Jr. and Carson; and his cousins, AJ, Eric, Tommy and Todd Proshuto and Kathy Lacken.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, February 26, 2021, at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, Newton, NJ. A Graveside service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in Stillwater Cemetery, 930 Maple Ave, Stillwater.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to an animal rescue of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.

  • FAMILY

  • Linda Lacken (Stone), Mother
  • Willard G. Lacken, Jr. (Vivienne), Father
  • Michael J. Lacken (Marty), Brother
  • Deborah Lacken, Sister
  • Chris Lacken (Allison), Half-brother
  • Madison, Morgan, Michael Jr. & Carson, Nieces and Nephews
  • AJ, Eric, Tommy, Todd & Kathy, Cousins
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  • Visitation

    Friday, February 26, 2021

  • Graveside Service

    Saturday, February 27, 2021

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Willard "Bill" George Lacken III

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Nancy Staffieri

February 28, 2021

So many happy memories of my daughter Kathy and Bill, Michael, and Debbie as toddlers sharing birthday cakes and laughter. My sympathy goes to Bill's family.
Nancy Lacken Staffieri

Christine Swet

February 27, 2021

Sending our heartfelt sympathy to all. I will always remember him for his kindness and always willing to lend a helping hand if needed. May you rest in peace.

Chris and Walt Swet

Cindy Vanelswyk

February 26, 2021

Mike and I were very sad to hear of Billy's passing our thoughts are with your family💔

George Knorr

February 25, 2021

Dear Linda, Debbie, Michael and Marty and Family, we are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Billy. We remember Billy and his sweet smile fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and in the difficult days ahead.
Your former neighbors George and Maria Knorr and our Family

Sue Martin

February 24, 2021

To the Lacken Family - Linda, Debbie and Michael,
My sincerest sympathies on the loss of Billy. I have so many fond memories of all of you. My memories of Billy will be with me forever. May you feel God's love and peace during this very difficult time. My love to all of you.

Love
Sue (Earl) Martin

Leonard and Donna Ferrari

February 23, 2021

So sorry for your loss, hugs and prayers to the family! Len and Donna Ferrari

Thelma Walton

February 22, 2021

Linda, Deb and Family,

May your memories of Billy bring you comfort in this time of great sorrow.

With sympathy,
Thelma



Bill Kopp

February 21, 2021

Thinking of Billy, Mike, Debbie and of course “Mom” will always make me smile. Such great memories and such a huge part of my life. The stories we could tell! Knowing Billy and the “Lacken’s” has made my life better. Such sad news....

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Denise Gould

February 21, 2021

Dear Linda and family,
Our family sends it heartfelt sympathy to you all.
God Bless,
Your neighbors from way back....Nate and Marianne Gould ,Denise and family

Howard & Betty Hamilton

February 21, 2021

Our Prayers and Sympathy go out to all of the family. You will be missed by many. 🙏🙏🙏

FROM THE FAMILY