William "Bill" Wellington

BYRON, IL ~ William “Bill” Wellington, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Swedish American Hospital of Rockford, IL with his family by his side after a sudden illness. He was born April 4, 1956 in Rockford, IL the son of Bradley & Wilma (Schnulle) Wellington. Bill was a graduate of Leaf River High School of Leaf River, IL and then went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Cardinal Stritch University. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal, Chicago Bears, and Byron High School Tigers fan. He always loved watching his son’s sporting events throughout the years. He married Lori Wortman on October 10, 1981 at the Red Brick Church of Stillman Valley, IL. He served his community by serving on the Leaf River City council and helped plan several Leaf River All Class Reunions which he deeply enjoyed. Bill enjoyed traveling, especially with his family to their many ski trips to Big Powderhorn Mountain and Colorado. His wife Lori and him would often travel to Las Vegas. He enjoyed holidays and playing euchre and dirty clubs with family and friends. During Bill’s free time he liked the simple things like watching the birds and wildlife in his backyard, watching old westerns and jeopardy, doing crossword puzzles and also cooking. He loved working in the yard and creating new gardens to plant new life for his loved ones. Bill’s family was his truest passion, he was a beloved husband, father, brother and friend. His humor and friendship will be missed by all of those around him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bradley & Wilma, parents-in-law Gordon & Ruth Wortman and many furry friends. Bill is survived and missed dearly by his loving wife Lori (Wortman) Wellington of Byron, IL; sons Timothy Wellington of Byron, IL; Justin Wellington of Erlanger, KY; brother Weston (Dory) Wellington of Freeport, IL; sisters Wynette (Ken) Wilson of Leaf River, IL; Wenda Wellington of Freeport, IL; brother-in-law Marc Wortman of Stillman Valley, IL; pets Digger; Kanga; Roo, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of 136 W. Roosevelt Rd, Stillman Valley, IL, 61084. Per his wishes, Bill will be cremated and later his urn will be buried at Stillman Valley Cemetery of Stillman Valley, IL following a private family graveside. A celebration of life will be held to honor his memory on Friday, October 2, 2026 at the Prairie View Golf Course Pavillion between the hours of 4:00pm through 7:00pm, please check back as more information becomes available. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation of Durand, IL, Paws of Rockford, IL, or make a donation to the charity of your choice.