William "Bill" J. Kennedy, age 67, of Channahon, passed away at home with his family by his side on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his parents William C. Kennedy and Elizabeth A. (Gallagher) Kennedy. He is survived by his sisters Mary Bell (Dan), Rita Mertel (Terry), Elizabeth Brooks, Jaculin Kennedy, Nancy Joyce (Jim), Theresa Calvert (Steve), Helen Kennedy, Jean Wilhelmi (Gary), and Ruth Hoehn (Steve). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand nephews, grand nieces, and friends.

Bill was born in Joliet, Illinois on October 11th, 1956. He graduated from Joliet East High School and attended Eastern Illinois University. He worked as a bricklayer and was a longtime employee at Caterpillar. He enjoyed skiing with his family, friends, and the Joliet Ski Club, where he was known as Uncle Bill. He loved biking with the Joliet Bicycle Club and organizing bike rides for his nieces and nephews. If it was football season, you could bet Bill would be found watching the game surrounded by his family and friends - Go Bears! He was an avid bridge player and loved telling stories to his nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. If there was a party, you could count on Bill to bring ice cream and to organize a trip to the nearest park. He truly cared about helping others and enjoyed volunteering at the Daybreak Center in Joliet.

Funeral service for Bill will begin with prayers at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from Forsythe Gould Funeral Home in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 W. North St., Manhattan, for 12:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Inurnment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name to Birthright of Joliet by visiting www.birthright.org/Joliet.

Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, Il 60442, 815-478-3321. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.forsythegouldfh.com.