Obituary for William Marcel Roderick
William Marcel Roderick (born Marcel Joseph Rodrique), 98, of East Peoria passed away at 1:45 p.m., Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Aperion Care Morton Villa, with his family at his side.
He was born on January 15, 1924, in St Ludger, Quebec Canada, son of Telesphore and Cedenie Rodrigue. He grew up on the family farm in Quebec, where he supported the family’s lumberjacking business.
He enlisted in the United States Army on September 12, 1943, and served in the European Theatre during WWII in the 3rd Army under General Patton. He was stationed as a heavy vehicle operator in France, Germany, Austria, and England until his Honorable Discharge as a PFC from the Army on March 16, 1947.
He married Irene H. Hammond in Aurora IL in 1948, where they made their home and raised seven children.
His occupations included heavy equipment operator, construction, real estate, property management, and home and commercial builder.
He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, horses, woodworking and building birdhouses. He was a true patriot and was a lifetime member of VFW Post 1046 Brockton MA, and VFW Post 4835 Creve Coeur IL, where he held all positions including Commander and BOD President. He was a lifetime member of Amvets Post 169 Pekin IL, and Vice Chairman of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) Peoria County. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of Illinois (VVI), was a Freemason, and performed over 150 graveside honors for departed veterans as an Honor Guard member in each of the veteran organizations he served in.
He will be remembered for his hard work ethic, his patriotic spirit, his love for family, his caring nature for animals and birds, a humble respect for God, his storytelling, and his hearty sense of humor. He loved and lived life to the fullest, and his legacy will live on in the lives of his sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, and all those who knew him.
He is survived by daughter Dianne Szakaly Knox (Mike) of Apollo Beach FL, son Ron Nichols (Sue) of Aurora IL, daughter Joyce Hooton (Dan) of Hughesville MD, daughter Cindy Kensinger (Rick) of Groveland IL, son William Roderick of East Peoria, son Larry Roderick (fiancé Marsha) of East Peoria, daughter Laurie Richardson (deceased) (Rich) of East Peoria, and Jeffery Roderick (Angela) of Aurora CO.
A celebration of life will be held to honor his life by his family and friends on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Galley at East Port in East Peoria. Please join us there. Patriotic attire is encouraged.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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