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
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Posted September 20th, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Love you ”Rockman” & will miss you!!
Goodnight moon Bill Rider!!!
Posted September 21st, 2019 at 7:08 am
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.
Posted September 21st, 2019 at 9:10 am
Paula so sorry to hear about bill he was a good friend I will miss him.
Posted September 21st, 2019 at 9:14 am
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.
Posted September 21st, 2019 at 11:14 am
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
Posted September 21st, 2019 at 11:42 am
Sorry for your loss. Enjoyed working for him
Posted September 21st, 2019 at 2:12 pm
Paula I am so sorry about Bill.
Sending you hugs and prayers.
Loni Bastas
Posted September 21st, 2019 at 6:41 pm
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.
Posted September 21st, 2019 at 8:30 pm
Paula,
My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carol Rice
Posted September 23rd, 2019 at 9:11 am
Paula I’m so sorry, he was a true friend and always loved to eat together in the morning. He will be deeply missed.
Posted September 23rd, 2019 at 1:49 pm
There just are no words. Paula, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom & Jennifer
Posted September 23rd, 2019 at 1:58 pm
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.
Posted September 23rd, 2019 at 7:56 pm
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
Posted September 23rd, 2019 at 10:22 pm
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..
Posted September 24th, 2019 at 7:29 am
Rest in Peace, “Little Bro, “. Words cannot say how much you will be missed. Love you all.
Posted September 24th, 2019 at 2:35 pm
If a book could talk; it was Uncle Bill.
Rest in Peace
Love
Adam
Posted September 24th, 2019 at 8:27 pm
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
Posted September 24th, 2019 at 9:27 pm
We are so sorry about the loss of Bill in the family. He will be greatly missed by all.
Love the Olson Family
Posted September 25th, 2019 at 12:08 pm
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
Posted September 25th, 2019 at 1:12 pm
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
Posted September 26th, 2019 at 12:49 pm
Thoughts and prayers to everyone. Love you Uncle Bill, thank you for everything.
Posted September 26th, 2019 at 7:14 pm
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!
Posted September 27th, 2019 at 8:49 am
I am so thankful for the relationship that we had, Uncle Bill. You will be missed beyond words.