Cover photo for William “Bill” Rider's Obituary
William “Bill” Rider Profile Photo
William

William “Bill” Rider

d. September 20, 2019

William “Bill” Rider, age 74, of Athens, formerly of Mendota and Lena, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at Memorial Medical Center.

Bill was born on August 28, 1945 in Mendota, IL the son of Ralph and Zelda Kleckner – Rider.

He married Paula Mann on December 3, 1967 in Mendota, IL.

Bill is survived by his wife, Paula; one daughter, Sandy (Jeff) Eisenmann; one daughter in law, Cathy Rider; four grandsons, Garrett and Griffin Rider and Zach and Aaron Eisenmann; three sisters, Helen Algiere, Judy (Swede) Svendsen and Barb (Jerry) Klatt; one brother in law, Duane Fassig as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by both parents; one son, Scott Rider and one sister, Peggy Fassig.

Bill worked at Conco Inc. in Mendota for 25 years. He also worked at Elkay in Lanark, IL for 13 years. Bill later worked at Central Illinois Allergy and Respiratory Clinic in Springfield, IL where he retired after 12 years.

Bill was the Cub Scout Master – Pack 108 of Mendota and a volunteer fireman on the Troy Grove Fire Department. He was also a board member of Lena Fire Department and a member of the Lion’s Club in Athens and Lena where he was a Melvin Jones Fellow. Bill was a 50 year member of the Mendota Elks and Mendota Masonic Lodge. He was also involved in establishing, building and maintaining the BMX track in Mendota where he enjoyed announcing races. In his retirement he loved to maintain his lawn.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 1:00 PM until time of Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 3:00 PM at the Athens United Methodist Church with Rev. Cindy Rettig officiating.

An additional visitation for Bill will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2019 also from 1:00 PM until time of Memorial Service at 3:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Mendota with Rev. Gary Rich officiating.

Burial will be held at Restland Cemetery in Mendota at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the family.

 Mott and Henning Funeral Home is assisting the Rider family. Online condolences can be made at www.mottandhenning.com

Condolences

  1. Love you ”Rockman” & will miss you!!
    Goodnight moon Bill Rider!!!

  2. Paula and family, I am so sorry for all.of you. I have only known Bill for a few years but I have come to love you both. Bill will be missed everywhere in the Athens community but especially at church. He always had a smile, a handshake and a comment good for a chuckle. May you rest in peace my friend.

  3. Paula so sorry to hear about bill he was a good friend I will miss him.

  4. So very sorry to hear of your loss. Bill had a big impact on my life. I learned a lot from him during our years of working together at Elkay Mtg. Bill was one of the kindest men I have ever known. He will be missed. Prayers for Paula and family.

  5. Paula,
    I am shocked and so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. I cannot imagine your sorrow. I can only tell you I love you and I’m so sorry for you loss.

    If there is anything I can do please do not hesitate to ask. God bless and comfort you and your family at this very difficult time.
    —Bev Koller

  6. Sorry for your loss. Enjoyed working for him

  7. Paula I am so sorry about Bill.
    Sending you hugs and prayers.
    Loni Bastas

  8. I’m so sorry for your loss, Paula. Just the picture of him shows he was a loving caring man. May the Lord give you pecan and comfort in this difficult time.

  9. Paula,

    My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Carol Rice

  10. Paula I’m so sorry, he was a true friend and always loved to eat together in the morning. He will be deeply missed.

  11. There just are no words. Paula, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom & Jennifer

  12. Paula
    I am so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Bill at Elkay for the time he was there. Always a smile, a twinkle in his eye and kind words for everyone. I feel very fortunate to have known him and worked with such a top notch person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad and difficult time.

  13. We will forever love and miss you Uncle Bill. One of best men we’ve ever had the honor of knowing. Denny says to stomp on the floor of Heaven and he will hear you. ❤️ Love ~ Denny, Holly, Haley, Chad, Avery, and Hannah

  14. Paula and family.

    Bill will be missed by all his friends and neighbors and our church. We are all so sad. Prayers that the memories help you smile..

  15. Rest in Peace, “Little Bro, “. Words cannot say how much you will be missed. Love you all.

  16. If a book could talk; it was Uncle Bill.

    Rest in Peace

    Love

    Adam

  17. We are so sad to hear of the loss of Bill. His jokes will greatly be missed. We are thinking about the entire family.

    Love the Olsons

  18. We are so sorry about the loss of Bill in the family. He will be greatly missed by all.

    Love the Olson Family

  19. Never had a dull moment with this man around. His smile and laugh could light up the room.
    I will miss all the hard times he gave me at each family event. Uncle Bill will forever be missed.

    Love,
    Kaylie

  20. Dear Paula and Family:
    So deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I realize that Bill will be truly missed by you, however, know that is also true for the rest of us who had the pleasure of having known him and have shared many life experiences with him.
    My thoughts and prayers.

    Wayne

  21. Thoughts and prayers to everyone. Love you Uncle Bill, thank you for everything.

  22. Bill was the best and favorite brother a sister could have God has acquired another special angel! Rest In Peace Billy Boy Zel is waiting to embrace you!

  23. I am so thankful for the relationship that we had, Uncle Bill. You will be missed beyond words.


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