William Bakkila

William "Bill" P. Bakkila Sr., 72, of Zion, died unexpectedly on Friday, May 25, 2012, at home. Bill was born September 22, 1939, in Hurontown, MI, and was a graduate of Zion-Benton Township High School. He married Mary Mussman on August 4, 1962, in Clinton, Iowa. Bill retired from Chrysler (AMC) in Kenosha, WI, after 30 years of employment. He was a member of the UAW Local #72 and the Loyal Order of the Moose #667. Bill loved his family tremendously. Bill enjoyed watching his grandson's play baseball, basketball and volleyball. He loved hearing about everything they were involved in. He was a long time Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. Bill was an avid cyclist. He enjoyed talking about the history of the city of Zion. He never missed a chance to stop and talk with friends and neighbors while out riding his bike or working in his yard. He was a wonderful father, husband and grandfather and he will be missed immensely. Survivors include his sons, William P. (Lorene, nee Sprague) Bakkila Jr. of Pleasant Prairie, WI, and Michael J. (Dawn, nee Coppock) of Winthrop Harbor, IL; grandchildren, Kyle, Aaron, Colin, and Logan Bakkila; brothers, Harry (Ann) Larson of Zion, IL, and Thomas (Kathy) Bakkila of Lancaster, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews, and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in 2006; father and mother, Waino and Saima(Kastamo) Bakkila; and sisters, Diana Bakkila, Lois Christenson, and Mary Ann Scroggins. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 30, 2012, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. A Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment is private for the family.