Obituary of Bill Chapman

William (Bill) Edward Chapman, Sr. 87, of Sterling, IL, died unexpectedly on February 2, 2024.  Bill was born near Whitehall, IL on February 2, 1937, the son of Robert and Mary (Crum) Chapman. After graduating from Rock Falls High School in 1955, he attended the University of IL in Champaign-Urbana, majoring in Electrical Engineering.  He left UofI prior to graduating to take a teaching position at East Coloma School in Rock Falls where he taught middle school math and PE and found his true calling as a basketball and track coach. It was there that he also met his soul-mate Carol (Michel) Chapman and they married in 1959.  He completed his degree in Education at Northern Illinois University and later earned a Master's Degree from Western Illinois University. After progressing his career to Assistant Principal, Bill retired in 1993 having spent his entire 35-year teaching career at East Coloma.  

He is survived by daughters Teri (John) Valentine of Barrington, Mindi (Mark) Van Zee of Lafayette, CO, and son William (Sydney), Jr., of Glen Ellyn, sisters Rosie Dellitt, Edie Willits, and Susan Henricks, brother Rick, sister-in-laws Shirley (Cliff) Dettman and Sandy (Clair) Furlong, 9 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol, his daughter Becki (Rick) Luckenbill, his sisters Roberta and Donna, and brothers Donald and Robbie.

Bill had many hobbies which, over the years, included coaching, fishing and camping, handyman, car mechanic, bridge player, and watching sports including the Chicago Bears, Cubs, the Illini and NASCAR. He always had a special connection with athletes who attended the Whiteside Rural District schools. Bill was a great dancer and enjoyed spinning his favorite partner, Carol, around on the dance floor. He was a loyal friend to many and loved getting a burger at North End with whomever would join him. Others would describe him as an honest, trustworthy, passionate and caring person, with the highest standards.  

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sterling, followed by a Celebration of Life Luncheon.  As with Carol Chapman, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation for the purpose of establishing a “William Chapman Scholarship” to be given to a future graduate of Rock Falls High School pursuing Education or Engineering as a future career.   Donations can be mailed to:  Teri Valentine, 590 Chateaux Bourne Dr, Barrington, IL. 60010.