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William Doss Jr.

February 22, 1955 - October 6, 2011
Kankakee, IL

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Visitation

Monday, October 10, 2011
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM CDT
Trinity Lutheran Church

Service

Monday, October 10, 2011
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM CDT
Trinity Lutheran Church

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Distinctive Floral Design by Schreffler
(888) 339-1588

Life Story / Obituary


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Many times we think of heroes as men of great accomplishment on the battlefield or the sporting arena. Then there are the everyday heroes like Bill Doss, a father who never missed his kids events and activities, a memorable grandfather, a rock solid friend and a man who never met a person he didn't like. Those everyday heroes are the ones that are the fabric and backbone of the American society.

The year was 1955 and America was experiencing one of its great economic expansions as WWII veterans built homes and started families. Rock and Roll burst on to the scene with "Rock Around the Clock" and TV grew with wildfire speed as classic shows like "Captain Kangaroo" and "Gunsmoke" made their debut. In Keokuk, Iowa William "Bill" Doss Jr. made his own debut on February 22, 1955 born the son of William Sr. and Nancy (Platte) Doss.

Growing up in the heartland of the country Bill and his brother, like many kids of the time, had a love for baseball. It was a great era for Americas' game with DiMaggio, Mays and Mantle playing in their prime years as Bill was winning MVP awards at the little league level. Bill would go on to semi pro ball playing for the American Legion League.

Bill also had a passion for the westerns, on the "Big Screen" his favorite cowboy of course was John Wayne. Saturdays would find him in front of the TV watching "Gunsmoke" and Marshall Matt Dillon.

Bill's family had a horse farm and it was there that he came to appreciate the love of farming and working with his hands. Bill would farm for a number of years raising cattle and in the beginning he was considered a "city farmer". He enjoyed being outdoors and tending to his garden and landscaping around his home.

Although Bill's marriage to Diane did not last his life was blessed with two children. BJ arrived in 1981 and Jenn in 1984. He loved his children and was always involved in their lives whether it was 4H, camping, vacations or school activities.

Bill was also blessed with a second chance in love and was married to Shelly Franco for the last four years. Besides the love of his family Bill cherished the special friendship of Scott Frerichs, Mark and Andy Benoit, Karl Kruse, Jerry Brutlag, and many others.

Some of his most enjoyable vacations included Caribbean cruises and one memorable trip included a helicopter ride through the tropics and volcanoes of Hawaii. His cruising was only rivaled by his fishing trips in Florida and Cass Lake, Minnesota.

William “Bill” Doss Jr., 56, of Kankakee IL. passed away October 6, 2011 at Provena St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born February 22, 1955 in Keokuk Iowa to William Sr. and Nancy (Platte) Doss. Bill married Shelly Franco July 7, 2007 in Kankakee IL. He was a farmer for many years and also did construction work for Benoit’s Construction. Bill was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Herscher IL. and enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, landscaping, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Mr. Doss is survived by his wife of Kankakee, his parents of Hampstead NC., children; William “BJ” and Laura Doss of Herscher IL., Jennifer and Ryan Nitsche of Monee IL., Rob, Joe, and Haley Franco of Kankakee. He is also survived by one brother; Rick and Alejandra of Roanoke Va., one sister Kay and Chris Cornett of Hampstead NC., grandchildren Shanna , Rebecca , Kylie and Beau all of Herscher and Kenadie of Kankakee, along with former wife Dianne Doss of Herscher.

A gathering time for family and friends will be from 9 a.m. until the 12 noon celebration of Bill’s life funeral service Monday October 10, 2011 all at Trinity Lutheran Church in Herscher IL. Burial will follow Bill’s funeral service Monday at Trinity Cemetery which is also located in Herscher. In lieu of flowers please make memorials to the family’s wishes.

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