William Glafka

William C. "Bill" Glafka, born on June 17, 1936, passed away peacefully at his family home in Walnut, IL, on November 5, 2023 in the same place he was born and raised.

Bill was the son of Marion and Beulah (Parker) Glafka. He was a proud graduate of Walnut High School, class of 1954. His strong work ethic and diverse skills led him to a variety of occupations throughout his life. He was a farmer, an associate of PAG Seeds, a self-employed electrician and carpenter, and a hospital maintenance electrician. He was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960.

Bill was a devoted husband to his wife, Lola, for almost 62 years and a loving father to his three children, Pamela (Brent) Timmer, Michelle (Tony) Rogers, and Gary Glafka. He was also a doting grandfather to nine grandchildren, Britny (Matt) Lochowitz, Amanda (Josh) Mernack, Tyler Timmer, Allie (Rigo) Mendez, Colton Glafka, Seth Glafka, Nicole Glafka, Payton Glafka, and Emma Glafka. He was also a proud great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren, Meiah, Mason, Myles, Jace, Emersyn, Tori, Leo, and Bennett.

Bill was a man who loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved traveling, camping, dancing, and he found joy in the simple pleasures of car rides and bird watching with Lola. He had a soft spot for his dogs, who were more spoiled than the grandchildren. He also enjoyed working on tractors with his grandson, a hobby that allowed him to pass on his knowledge and skills.

Bill was known for his sense of humor. He could always be counted on to lighten the mood with a funny story or a clever joke. He was the kind of guy who could make you laugh until your sides hurt, and his laughter was infectious. He was also a kind and loving man, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a word of encouragement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Beulah (Parker) Glafka and his sister Elaine (Marion) Conley.

In conclusion, Bill Glafka was a man who lived his life with humor, kindness, and love. He was a Jack of All Trades, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a friend to all who knew him, and even those who didn’t. He will be greatly missed, but his laughter, his love, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. So, here's to Bill, a man who could fix anything, make anyone laugh, and who loved his family more than anything. He was truly one of a kind.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Mississippi Valley Cremation in Moline, IL and a Celebration of Life will be held at The First Christian Church of Walnut on Saturday, November 18th from 2:00-6:00 pm.

Memorials may be made in his memory to the family, Walnut Fire Department, or VITAS Hospice.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express condolences on his Memory Wall at mvcremation.com.