William E. “Bill” Hogan

Longtime Byron resident William E. “Bill” Hogan, age 91, died peacefully Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Bill died due to complications from a fall on the ice this past winter. He was born October 28, 1929 in Byron Township, the son of William L. and Anna Mae (Stine) Hogan, where he attended Byron Schools.

Bill was inducted into the U.S. Army in August 1951 where he served his country for two years, including one in Korea at the Kunson K8 Air Base. He married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Kanode in her parent’s backyard on September 2, 1950. The two of them recently celebrated 70 years of marriage.

When he returned from the war, Bill served as an AmbulanceDriver for Bakener-Morrison Funeral Home in Byron in the 1960’s. Soon after, he became a Volunteer Firefighter for the Byron Fire Department, eventually being named Assistant Chief. Bill was a true craftsman where he worked for McGee Construction before co-founding Blackhawk Builders and Supply, building custom homes and developing one of Byron’s first subdivisions, Northern Heights. He worked for the Ogle County Highway Department for 15 years and also owned several rental properties throughout the region.

Bill enjoyed giving his time and talent to his hometown and was a past President of the Byron Chamber of Commerce, member of the Byron American Legion, member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron where he served on the Buildings and Grounds and Cemetery Committee, a 50-year member of the Knights of Columbus, and a volunteer for the Byron Forest Preserve woodshop. Bill was a jack-of-all trades and lived a full life up until his final days here on Earth.

He was predeceased by his parents, his mother and father-in-law Pearl and Ray Kanode, sister-in-law Jan, brother Fran Hogan, great-granddaughter Brianna Typer and son-in-law Les Smithson.

He is survived by his loving wife Patricia, his children Randy Hogan, Jeff Hogan, Kristine Smithson (Les), Patrick “Rick”Hogan, and daughter-in-law Kitty Moring. He enjoyed watching numerous sporting events and spending time with his 10 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mary Bontjes of Byron, brother Charles “Chuck” Wilbur of Potomac, Maryland and several nieces and nephews.

Bill saw something good in everyone he met. His laid-back and genuine personality was contagious. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. The family would like to thank Serenity Hospice and Dr. Sweet for their loving care of Bill.

A private Mass will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron with the Rev. Rich Rosinski officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley with a 7 p.m. “Last Alarm” Ringing of the Bell service by the Byron Fire Department. Masks and social distancing are required. A memorial fund is established in Bill’s name or for Serenity Hospice and Home.