Dr. William George Chase

March 26, 1920 - September 20, 2011

Age 91, of Normal, IL, formerly of Gardner, IL passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2011 in Bloomington, IL. Born March 26, 1920 in Dwight, IL to the late Guy Leslie and Minnie Mary (nee Lydigsen) Chase. William was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corp 2nd Lt. Pilot having served from 1943-1945 during World War II. He has an educational background, beginning with the Gardner-South Wilmington High School in Gardner graduating with the class of 1937. He then pursued a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration and Education June 1946 at Illinois State University and continued with achieving a Masters Degree in Psychology June 1948. He also earned a Doctorate from I.S.U. June 1969 in Educational Administration. He served at Joliet Junior College for 33 years from 1958-1990 gaining the title Professor Emeritus in Psychology and Education. William began his teaching career at Onarga High School in Onarga, IL for two and half years and served one year as Scout Master. He was the High School principal in Longview, IL and taught at the Junior High in Wilmington, IL for one year. He currently belonged to the American Federation of Teachers. 68 year member of the Gardner Masonic Lodge #573, 32nd degree mason. Belonged to the Bloomington Consistory and the Peoria Shriners Club. Past commander of Gardner American Legion Post in Gardner. Obtained his Eagle Scout Badge in 1936 and is a lifetime Eagle Scout Member. He worked at the U.S. Rubber Co., Joliet Arsenal from June 1951 to December 1957 as a senior supervisor of special assignments. Lifelong member of the Church of Hope in Gardner, serving two terms as an Elder. Surviving were four children, Dr. Margaret “Peggy” (Don) Nelson of Bloomington, MN, Marilyn (John) Jensen of Las Cruces, NM, William F. (Julie) Chase of Indianapolis, IN, and Paul (Regina) Chase of Gardner; nine grandchildren, Neal, Nevin, and Nara Nelson, Christopher (Nina) Jensen, Amanda (Eric) Meyer, Erin, Allan, Joel, and Molly Chase; five great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Jaycee, Kendall, Colin, and Kiera; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his wife, Marion “Peg” Chase, on February 13, 2002; two sisters, his twin sister, Betty Brusnighan and Jean McDonald; and brother, Dr. Robert Chase. Cremation rites were accorded. Memorial visitation was at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd., Braidwood Chapel, Sunday, October 2, 2011 from 3-7 p.m. with a memorial service at 7:00p.m. Pastor Jan Chandler officiated. Committal services were from the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd., Braidwood Chapel Monday, October 3, at 9:30 a.m. to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery for interment with military honors at 10:00 a.m.