William "Bill" Killus

Born on August 13, 1945 in Tampa, Florida to Glen and Charlotte (Reed) Killus, he married Elaine V. Erickson on August 28, 1966 in Pontiac. They recently celebrated their 60 wedding anniversary.

Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Amy (Greg) Ries of Pekin; one son, Bret (Edith) Killus of Gilbert, Arizona; two grandchildren, Jordan Ries of Washington, D.C. and Deven Ries of Bloomington; one sister, Vicky Killus of Danforth and one brother-in-law, Dean Erickson of Pontiac.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

He had served in the Illinois Army National Guard. A 1963 graduate of Pontiac High School. He then went on to attend Illinois State University and then graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

He started his working career at International Harvester in Canton for 15 years and then transitioned to a 24 year career in advertising with Midwest Television and culminating with WMBD Radio and the JMP Radio Group, retiring in 2008.

Bill was an avid golfer and took particular pride in being a founding member of the River Cup in Central Illinois. He was a member of Olde Hickory Golf and Country Club in Ft. Myers, Florida, and a longtime member of Pekin Country Club, both places where his enduring appreciation for golf and the friendships were formed.

From 1984 to 2021, Bill found Gulf Shores, Alabama to be a special vacation spot. Since 2021, he enjoyed wintering in Florida. In addition to his love of golf, he was family centered and was always in attendance at his kids and grandkids activities. Bill also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin.

His memorial visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. A private family inurnment will be held Thursday at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the River Cup Foundation, c/o Matt Fahel, 1619 West Christine, Peoria, IL 61614.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com