WILLIAM “Bill” ALAR

William “Bill” Alar, age 73, of St. Charles, IL, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Though he left his family in mourning, his legacy of memories remains to be treasured.

He was born in Berwyn, IL, on August 7, 1948, to proud parents, John and Margaret Alar.

Bill grew up in Lyons, IL, and attended local schools, as well as J. Sterling Morton West High School before enlisting in the United States Navy. Upon his return to civilian life, Bill found work at several local businesses before working beside his brother, for a year before joining the IBEW Local 701, out of DuPage County. There he would flourish and eventually celebrate his 50^th year and be presented a pin of which he could not have been prouder. In fact, he advertised it by installing a yard sign saying PROUD UNION HOME.

Bill called Glenda Kiggins and even before their first date, it was clear that “Wild Bill” lived up to his reputation. Famous or infamous may be debated, but there is no argument that he was unforgettable. Bill never had eyes for another after that first date and before long they were united in marriage on April 1, 1967, in Downers Grove, IL. They began their new lives together with his parents for a time while he served his country, but they bought their first home in West Chicago before settling in St. Charles in 1976. There they would look over their growing family and celebrate 55 years of laughter and love.

He was a loud and proud member of the IBEW Local 701, NRA, and a faithful member of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church as well as LERT, the Lutheran Early Response Team, who responds to tragedy and natural disasters, giving help to his community on a moments notice. Bill also volunteered at Hickory Knolls Nature Center, making stone arrowheads the traditional Native American way, and gave away over 250 as gifts to visiting children each year.

Living with Bill was never boring. Even when local work was not to be found, Bill took his family on adventures, traveling from union all to union hall looking for work. They took two trips like this over the years, once by van and once in an RV making stops to see all the sights and sounds that made each excursion unique and exciting. Scary stories by the fire where always capped with a surprise scare when Bill snuck away unbeknownst to the kids, only to emerge suddenly making scary noises and giving one-of-a-kind thrills. Bill was avid hunter and fisherman. Deer, Pheasant, Dove, and Wild Turkey hunts brought home trophies which were proudly hung on his walls, and he never missed an opportunity to cast a line at every fishing hole. Arrowhead hunting culminated in a large collection of artifacts born in the earliest times of our country. A Chicago Bears fan, no one cheered louder than Bill and every spring brought the hope of another World Series ring for his beloved Chicago Cubs. The Blackhawks also found a place in his heart as he cheered in the Madhouse on Madison. Bill had a strong faith and strove to be the hands and feet of Jesus, loving his neighbor as his friend and helping anyone in need. Above all, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apple of his eye. Each one was treated special, making them feel as if they were the favorite, celebrating special times with breakfast dates. Though “Wild Bill” settled down in later years, his strength never waned; mentally, physically, spiritually, you could find no one to match him. He may have been a “man’s man”, who loved working with his hands, but his soul was kind, his heart full of love and on many an occasion, pure mischief. His mark was as distinct as it was unique and will never be forgotten.   

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Glenda Alar; two children: William Michael (Corinna) Alar and Jennifer Lee Alar; 8 grandchildren: Brittanie (Ryan Ogorchock) Alar, Amber Alar, Crystal Alar, Ariel Alar, Scott (Margo Schmidl) Laskowski, Tyler Laskowski, Braeden Laskowski and Carter Laskowski; 3 great-grandchildren: Jordan, Riley and Grace Laskowski; two brothers, Robert Alar and Daniel Alar; one niece; three nephews; his best four-legged friend, Rosie, and a family of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Alar, one brother Lawrence Alar and Tess, the family Australian Shepherd.

Visitation will be from Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 10-11 a.m. with a service to celebrate his life to follow at 11a.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 40W605 Rt. 38, Elburn, IL 60119. Rev. Matt Blackford, pastor of the church will officiate. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lord of Life Lutheran Church and mailed to 40W605 Rt. 38, Elburn, IL 60119 or visit, http://www.lolchurch.net/ways-to-give/. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.