William E. ‘Bill’ LaFever

DIXON – William Edous “Bill” LaFever, 98, a lifelong Dixon resident, passed away Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at Heritage Square in Dixon, and now rejoins his beloved wife, Josephine, in Heaven.

Bill was born March 24, 1920, to Byron and Bess (Edous) LaFever, and grew up in Dixon where he attended St. Mary Grade School and Dixon High School. As youngsters, Bill and his brother, Paul worked with their father in the family retail grocery business, LaFever’s Food Mart. LaFever’s opened in 1929 and was well known for extending credit and helping families during the difficult years of the Great Depression.

On July 4, 1941, Bill married the love of his life, Josephine Bevilacqua, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Bill was a proud veteran of World War II, serving his country in the South Pacific from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed on the island of Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides.

After the war ended, Bill and his brother Paul re-opened LaFever’s Food Mart, which had been closed during the war years. They took over the business as owners until selling the store in 1966. After closing the grocery business, Bill owned and managed successful restaurants for several years in Sterling and Rock Falls with his brother-in-law, Tony Bevilacqua, before going to work for Ramada Inn. Bill managed the food and bar service for the Rock Falls Ramada until his retirement in the early 1970s. He also served the Dixon community as the Commissioner of Public Property in 1962-63. He was a member of St. Patrick parish, lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 12. As a business owner, husband, and father of five, Bill will always be remembered as a fair, honest, loyal and hard-working man of integrity.

In his retirement, Bill loved spending time with friends and family. He and Jo traveled extensively and especially enjoyed their years wintering in Florida with the many friends they had made. He dearly loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His hobbies included gardening, reading and playing bridge. As bridge players go, Bill was a formidable opponent, and when partnered with his wife, was nearly unbeatable. Together, Bill and Jo enjoyed 71 years of marriage, always remaining committed to each other, family and church.

Bill is survived by his four children, Bill, Barbara, Jill and Michael, and their spouses; 14 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Bess LaFever; his brother, Paul; his son, Bud in 2006; and his beloved wife, Josephine in 2012.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, and the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Keith Romke officiating. Burial will follow the Mass at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon, with full military honors. Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heritage Square or St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Bill’s family would like to thank the staff and residents at Heritage Square for their wonderful compassion and excellent care.

Visit prestonschilling.com to send condolences.