William "Bill" Schreck

William B. "Bill" Schreck, 73, of Riverton, passed away at 6:35 p.m. on Sunday August 2, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center. Bill was born on June 4, 1942 in Monmouth to Carl and Helen Schreck. He was raised on a general livestock and grain farm near Roseville with two brothers and two sisters. He pursued his interest in agriculture through vocational agriculture at Avon High School. He was president of FFA, DeKalb Award winner, and State Farmer degree recipient. Following graduation, Bill farmed with his father prior to attending WIU. He was a charter member of the Alpha Tau chapter of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He transferred to the University of Illinois in agricultural education and student taught at Mahomet. He graduated with a double major in agricultural education and farm management. His graduate coursework in agricultural education was completed at SIU, ISU, WIU, and the U of I. On July 1, 1965, he began teaching at Warren School in Monmouth. Bill enjoyed the successful experiences of his students during his twelve years of tenure, including: 3 American Farmers, 27 State Farmers, 72 Proficiency Winners, 3 State Officers, (lst) Star in Agribusiness, 3 State Officers and 3 State Officer Candidates (including the 1st female). Recognitions of Warren FFA included: 12 consecutive National POA Gold Emblems; 2 Illinois State Banker plaques; 9 National Safety Gold Emblems; 7 National BOAC Gold Emblems; Illinois Governor's BOAC Citation; and State Cooperative Activities and Heritage Winners. The Warren FFA BOAC program was directly responsible for the formation of a Rural Fire Protection District. Bill was active in the teaching profession: Section IAVAT Chair, WTA President, FFA Alumni charter member, State FFA Alumni President and (lst) FFA Camp Board Chair. In 1976, he was named Illinois Outstanding Young Educator. He was active in community development through FFA, as well as Jaycees. He was president of the Monmouth Jaycees and was elected to state office in the Illinois Jaycees, earning an Honorary Life Membership and J.C.I. Senator. Bill was also a lifetime member and former president of the Anchor Boat Club. Bill formally retired from ISBE June 30, 2002. He remained active within the profession as a registered lobbyist for agricultural education, a liaison for agricultural education with the Illinois State Board of Education, a researcher of the Illinois FFA history (years 50-75), as well as, other assignments as requested. Bill truly believed that the agricultural education organization affiliates comprise a family. And, that the greatest challenge facing the "family" in Illinois today is the coordination of efforts among all family members to continually provide greater opportunities for all of its students. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Theresa Schreck. He is survived by his wife, Freida Schreck of Riverton; one son, Brian Schreck of Waterman; four daughters, Devra (Jeff) Schoby of Riverton, Patricia A. Milby of Sterling, Cheryl (Steve) Miles of Riverton, and Beth (Chad) Leet of Riverton; eight grandchildren, Jeremy Schoby of Riverton, Ashlee (Coady) Bell of Athens, Hannah Milby of Athens, Rylie Schreck of Waterman, Makayla Schreck of Waterman, Jerry Miles of Riverton, Madison Leet of Riverton, and Claire Leet of Riverton; two brothers, Jim (Shirley) Schreck of Monmouth and John (Janet) Schreck of Roseville; two sisters, Mary Anne Liggett of Las Vegas, NV and Eileen (Ed) Roe of Monmouth; and fourteen nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August, 6, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August, 7, 2015 at St. Cabrini Catholic Church, 1020 N. Milton Ave, Springfield, with Rev. Clint Honkomp, OP officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: Illinois Foundation FFA, Attn: Tammy Yard, 3221 Northfield Drive, Springfield, IL 62702.