William G. Pell

William G. Pell, Jr., age 99, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family On January 7th, 2026. He was born on November 11, 1926, in Rockford, the son of William G. Pell Sr. and Marjorie H. (Dennison). He grew up on the family farm that his great, great grandfather started in the 1800’s. Bill graduated from Rockford East High School, and then he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954. 

Shortly after returning from his service duty, he married the love of his life, Ann Lavonne (Tuck), on June 5, 1954. The ceremony took place at Monroe Center Community Church, marking the beginning of a cherished partnership. Two years after their marriage, they began raising their four children, nurturing a family deeply rooted in tradition as fifth generation farmers. Over time, he welcomed his two sons into the farming operation, ensuring the continuity of their agricultural heritage.

 His family always came first, and they were his proudest accomplishment. Bill believed in being involved in helping the community. He was a member of the church board, Winnebago County Pork Producers, Winnebago County Farm Bureau and the Winnebago County Soil and Water District, as well as serving as a Cherry Valley township auditor.

 He was a handyman who could fix anything, especially with baling wire. He had an amazing depth of knowledge and loved sharing stories and history lessons with his family. He was an amazingly patient man who lived his life, showing compassion and living out the serenity prayer. 

Bill and Ann loved to travel together, especially taking long trips in their RV and traveling with many friends. They made two trips to Alaska, driving their RV. He never knew a stranger, and made friends everywhere he went, but most importantly, what Bill loved was being a husband, father, and grandfather, and great grandfather. He always made sure to show up for them, support them, and cheer them on. 

He also loved to go visit any ailing neighbors to cheer them up as well. When his RV traveling days were over, his trips consisted of driving around the farm with Ann on his golf cart, checking on the garden, crops and the deer. He was an avid cribbage player and note taker. He kept a daily diary in his pocket, so he could write down the weather, grain prices, or whatever else was happening in his life. Bill lived his 99 plus years fully. He enjoyed every day with a smile and a huge chuckle. If you are unable to attend the service, just tell a friend a good knee slapping JOKE! 

Bill and his family were so thankful for all who helped and cared for him: the entire dedicated Serenity Hospice staff who devotedly cared for the whole family, especially our dear Kacey and Whitney, who brought a smile and peace with them to all the home visits. 

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Bonnie (Jim) Asbury. He is survived and missed by his dear wife of 71 years, Ann of Rockford; children, Terri (Mike) Lundberg of Pecatonica, Pam (Rick) Allen of Rockford, Rick (Nettie) Pell of Rockford, and Brad (Laura) Pell of Rockford; grandchildren, Sara (Will) Dwyer, Kyle (Tiffany) Lundberg, Tyler (Melanie Weber) Lundberg, Erin (JJ) Tews, Brian Allen, Rick Jr. (Jillian Pettke) Pell, Emily (Noah) Millard, Monica (Tyler) Baker, Zach (Erika) Harrison, and Emily (Gillian Smith) Harrison, 17 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Also, very special friends, Curt and Marilyn Clouse and Connie Carlson.

 Funeral services to celebrate his well lived life will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the North Church, 102 West Street, Monroe Center, IL 61052 with Rev. Mio Pavino from St. Mary’s Catholic Church officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Serenity Hospice and Home and the Rockford Rescue Mission.