William Joel Graack, Sr.

Born January 11, 1947 in Normal to Charles Lee and Mary Janice (Martin) Graack, he married Sandra “Sandy” Lee Knorr on November 24, 1995 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, William Joel “Bill” Graack, Jr. of Washington and Timothy (Jenny) Graack of Eureka; two step-sons, Christopher (Kelly) Simonsen of Pekin and Jacob (Sandra) Simonsen of Washington; nine grandchildren, Logan (Kelsi) Mathias, Jillian (Gavin Gray) Simonsen, Kaitlyn (Trey Parrott) Simonsen, Thomas Simonsen, Sadie (Alex) Swanson, Gavin (Izzy Mansfield) Graack, Levi Graack, Riley Simonsen and Alex Simonsen and two sisters, Martha Jones of Chillicothe and Louise (Jim) Rickey of Princeville.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Charles Graack.

Bill was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was a member of Limestone American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville, where he had served as a member of their honor guard.

He worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 34 years, retiring in 2004 as a record parts analyst.

He enjoyed collecting fire trucks and driving his 1953 International Fire Truck in parades. He was a member of the former Heart of Illinois Fire Enthusiasts and Collectors Association. He was a trained storm spotter.

Bill loved cherry pie, especially when made by Mandy at R.J.’s in South Pekin.

No services or visitation are planned. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Limestone American Legion Post 979, 4501 South Airport Road, Bartonville, IL 61607.

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