William McClellen

William A. McClellenAge 55 of Elburn, formerly of Carpentersville, IL passed away at the Jesse Brown Veteran’s Center, Chicago, IL, Sunday evening, February 27, 2005 where he had recently become a patient. BORN:He was born in Chicago, IL, May 11, 1949, the son of Bernard A. and Jeanne (MacCourt) McClellen.EARLY YEARS :The family moved to Carpentersville in 1956 where William attended local schools and was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church. He excelled in sports and played on both the Hickory Hill Elementary school team as well as the church team. He loved to fish and was nic-named, "Billy Bass". His mother was a model and, as a child Bill was actually featured in a Montgomery Ward catalogue in a fishing boat.He was active in the Talented Youth organization and performed as "Anton the Great", a magician, with his sister, Cathy, as his assistant. Together, they performed for three days at the World’s Fair in New York City where they shared the stage with Guy Lombardo. MILITARY / FIRST MARRIAGEIn his late teens, Bill, enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in Viet Nam with the 101st Airborne.He returned home in 1968 with two purple hearts but without his best friend with whom he had enlisted. Bill settled in Carpentersville where he was united in marriage to Jamie Griffith in 1970. They were blessed with one son, Monti, and made their home in the Dundee-Elgin area until 1974 when Bill and Jamie went their separate ways.OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY Bill was an electronics genius in many ways and was employed at Motorolla in Schaumburg for some years and later at Shakeproof in Elgin. SECOND MARRIAGE:In 1998 Bill was united in marriage to Sandra Boryla and they came to make their home in Elburn. Through the years, she and Bill loved making annual trips to Las Vegas. Following a car accident which fractured his neck, Bill was told that he had bone cancer. Through the years that followed, he endured a great deal of pain but fought hard for life.MEMBERSHIPS Bill was proud of his service to his country and was a member of the VFW in West Dundee, ILHe will be remembered as a kind and generous man with the hands of a magician and a heart of gold. SURVIVORS He is survived by his wife Sandra of ElburnOne son, Monti McClellen of West Dundee, ILFive siblings: Cathy McClellen of Green Lake WI,Robert (Patty) McClellen of Coal City, IL,James (Brenda) McClellen of Summerfield, FL,David McClellen of Green Lake, WIBrian (Patty) McClellen of Carpentersville, IL, One aunt and uncle, Marilyn and John Szurgot of Elgin.As well as nine nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews and many cousins.In addition, he leaves his wife, Sandra’s, seven children:And Sandra’s eleven grandchildren.PRECEDED He is preceded in death by his parents and two nieces.

Visitation will be held Friday from 12noon until 1pm immediately prior to mass at St. Gall Catholic Church, Elburn, corner of Shannon and Main Streets. The Rev. Fr. Karl Ganss will officiate

MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in his memory. Checks may be made to the William McClellen Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family through www.conleycare.com. For information call Conley Funeral Home, 630-365-6414.