William Hewitt

William “Bill” Francis Hewitt, age 82, of Elburn, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.
Bill was born in Aurora, IL, on September 2, 1935, to proud parents Elmer and Clara (Deckert) Hewitt. While attending local schools, Bill had an early morning newspaper route. The paper came by steam engine every morning at 6 a.m.
In high school, he went from delivering newspapers to delivering milk for Johansen Dairy. He had an amazing work ethic that started at a young age. Bill graduated from high school in 1953, and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he spent four years serving his country before being honorably discharged in 1957.
Upon his return, Bill met the girl of his dreams, Mary Ellen Benge. After a short courtship, they were united in marriage December 1, 1962. In 1963, they were blessed with their son, Mike.
Bill worked for the State of Illinois for a time then went to work for Daniels, Inc., delivering drywall; becoming one of the first to operate boom trucks. After a few years, Bill went to work for Fox Valley Drywall as an estimator and continued there for 43 years.
Bill was the longest surviving member of the St. Gall Catholic Church, where he was baptized in 1935, served as an altar boy and later as an usher. Bill was a 57 year member of the Elburn American Legion, Post #630. In 2008, he became a life member.
At home, Bill was the gardener and lawn care professional; his lawnmower was his favorite toy. If it was something that could grow, Bill planted it. He planted anything from flowers to Indian corn and peanuts. Bill excelled in the growing of gourds and filled his garage with more every year. Along with his garden, Bill also raised rabbits for their meat. Everyone wanted a taste of Hewitt’s rabbits; even Bob Reams bought some from him for the store every now and then. In 1979, it was Mike and Mary battled the blizzard to make sure Bill’s rabbits were fed.
When he wasn’t outside, you would find Bill sitting in his favorite spot watching the Cubs. Bill’s dad, Elmer, always said, “they’ll do it one of these days.” Many thought that the Cubs would never actually win the World Series, but Bill believed in his dad and the Cubs did it.
A few years after his grandkids came along, Bill’s illness began and he told the doctors they had to make him better; he had grandkids to raise. Bill was determined to do the best job he could. He loved his family and would do anything for them. Bill was always worried about his family and wanted to make sure they were alright. If someone needed help, he was there.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Ellen; his son Michael (Dawnette) Hewitt; two grandchildren: Nicholas Hewitt and Amber (Christopher) Derby; one brother, Jim Hewitt; two sisters, Dee (Hewitt) Heussner and Marlene Hewitt; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Clara Hewitt and two sisters, Lois Carr and Mary Jane Ellis.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 3, 2018, at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd., Elburn, IL 60119, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass to celebrate his faith will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 4th, at St. Gall Catholic Church, with a brief visitation from 9-10 a.m., also at the church. Interment to follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bill’s name at the Elburn American Legion, Post #630. Checks may be made to the “Elburn American Legion Post #630” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A funeral Mass to celebrate his faith will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 4th, at St. Gall Catholic Church, with a brief visitation from 9-10 a.m., also at the church.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 3, 2018, at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd., Elburn, IL 60119, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Interment to follow at Blackberry Township Cemetery, Elburn.