William Cullerton Obituary

To my Aunt Elaine and cousins, Pam, Cindy, Billy, Marc and Chrissie - Your uncle, Ralph Stephen and I are very saddened to hear of your father's passing. I spoke with him on the phone only a few weeks ago and was happy to hear his voice after so many years. I was doing research on Ancestry.com and was shocked when I came across his obituary. I am caring for Dad in his home in Fort Myers. He is doing well and will turn 98 this year. I would love to hear from any of you. Please call us at 239-288-7546 if you would like to get in touch. God bless you all! Sande Stephen Howell

To the Cullertons,
I was deeply saddened to find out about the passing of "Big Bill". He was an inspirtation to all of us. I will always remember my childhood growing up on Arlington in Elmhurst playing baseball with the Cullertons and Maddens. Bill, thank you for those cherised memories. It was a time when neighbors were really neighbors.
With sincere sympathy, Keith Judson

I will always remember receiving a call from WGN Neediest Kids' Fund that I was a winner in the drawing. I could chose from about twenty things. As they read the list to me, one item was a fishing trip. I was SO excited to hear that there was a fishing trip on Lake Michigan with Bill Cullerton. I knew who he was because I had heard him many times on his outdoors show. I chose his fishing trip. He picked us up and drove us to St Joseph, MI and back, mentioning that Mr Husar lived down the street from us (which we did not know). My husband, nephew, and I spent a wonderful day on the Lake with him, catching many lake trout and salmon. He brought along lunch, pulling steamed hot dogs out of a thermos. We enjoyed hearing about his fishing adventures and his life that day. He was a remarkable man and a gentleman. I will always remember him. My sympathy to his wife and the entire family.

Bill gave my dad his start in the fishing tackle business and was his mentor and a great friend. Bill's kindness and gentle ways made it a pleasure to be around. He will be missed but I'm sure he and my dad are on a boat casting in heaven both telling stories and laughing loudly. Love and hugs to Bill's family.

His kindness, knowledge, and pure class were evident to all who met him, in whatever setting. A gentleman and a Hero. We shall not see his like again... He and Husar are no doubt sailing Excellent Seas this moment.

Dear Pam, Cindy, Billy, Marc and Chrissie,

I was saddened to hear about your Dad's passing. He was such a big part of the lives of all of us growing up on Arlington Avenue. He affected the lives of so many in Elmhurst and beyond. My wife Nancy and I share your loss. I only wish I had paid more attention to the fishing lessons!

We are very sad to learn of Bill's passing. He was one of the greatest, and we enjoyed him thoroughly whenever he came to Montana to hunt. We are so happy that his picture is on the wall at Medicine Rocks Lodge, so we can still "see" him. May God comfort all of you " his family," now and in the days ahead. Look forward to being with him again in the "land that knows no parting". Our love and sympathy, Frank & Charlene Mehling

I am very saddened about Bill's passing, he was a wonderful man and I am honored that I knew him. I had the pleasure of meeting Bill in 2009 in my studio to paint his portrait for the "Portrait of American Veterans Project". Thank you Bill, your are one of the Greatest Generation and a hero for us all.

With sadness I write this. Bill was one of my mentors in the early days of PanAngling along with Jim Chapralis & Tim Clark. He had a wonderful life after WWII. My best wishes to his family.

I was so sad to find out today about Mr. Cullerton's passing. I only knew him a short time as his Nurse in the clinic, but what a wonderful man I was honored to know. I had all of my family members read his book to learn what a truly amazing American Hero. My sincere condolences to your family.
Cathy Towers, RN
Honor Flight Chicago RN volunteer.

My sympathy to your family at the loss of a Good Guy. I'd get up early Saturday mornings,make a pot of coffee,turn on WGN
,and listen to Bill as I cleaned my fishing equiptment or did things in the garage. With the way radio is now ,I sure
do miss his way of talking about the outdoors. He's proably flying his P-51 again, looking for places to fish or talk about with John Husar.

I found out about this thru the Lindner boys I'm praying for the family so sorry for your loss he truly was a great man for anyone who loved the outdoors what a great example of people who truly love the outdoors and shared it with us all he truly will be missed! Fish on my friend

I was saddened to hear about Bill's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him for over two years as a buyer for Montgomery Ward. He personified the meaning of the word class.

May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. I will always cherish the wonderful times we had at the 355th reunions Jane Fortier

As I think about what to say through my tears, I have had so many great memories come flooding back of fantastic moments with Bill and the Cullerton Family. From early ones of coming to McCormick Place for the fishing show and Bill teaching me how to win the casting contest, to New Year's Day weigh-ins and parties, from the farm in Savanna, to Port St Lucy and discovering marvelous Marco Island on our family spring vacation trips, from the wedding gift of using your beautiful home for our honeymoon, to the purchase of our TP Boat, to the fishing expeditions on both the Gulf and Lake Michigan, to fresh caught fish dinners at Kretsch's in Marco, the Cullertons and the Ostranders have shared too many laughs and wonderful times together to count. As I watch my parents living the final chapters of their lives, I realize how unique the gift of true friendship is. Starting in grade school and at Fenwick, through the war years (maybe because they shared so many common experiences, being POWs and all) to potlucks and IC in Elmhurst, to retirement in Marco, this friendship was so very special. Bill brought out the best in my dad. Bill's positive, loving, upbeat nature always pulled my dad out of his seriousness, leading the way to laughter and fun. I know this void has already been felt by both my dad and my mom. I was going to come tonight to the visitation, but I have been babysitting sick grandchildren the last two days, and now my Bill is sick. Dearest Steve, Pam, Cindy, Billy, Mark, and Chrissy, and the rest of your family, I hope you know how truly sorry I am for your loss of your wonderful Bill, and my parents and Bill and I are there with you in spirit. Love to you always, Babsie
(your Bill is the ONLY person who ever called me that!)

My Deepest Sympathy to the Entire Cullerton Family. Bill Sr. was an IDOL to the industry, our country and Mankind! We are all better off for knowing Bill Cullerton Sr.
God Bless

Very sad day for all of you. Remembering all the 4th of julys, labor days we had with all the kids . But true what Bill wrote in his book he gave me "nobody had more fun than we did"!!! Dorothy Allen

Back in the 1980's our family went on a fishing adventure to Rainy Lake in northern Minnesota. We rented a houseboat and had a great week. Upon returning home to Elmhurst my Dad realized our trolling motor was still at the outfitters in Minnesota. A phone call let us know we nothing to worry about. Bill Cullerton happened to be on the lake and would bring our motor back with his equipment. I am certain in his mind a small thing. But, for my Father a very big thing.

A truly great man has passed. I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to Mrs. Cullerton and the Cullerton family. Bill was a Conservation Giant in Illinois and will be sorely missed.

Blessings and prayers at this difficult time. God bless you!
Sister PegnIvers, IBVM

What a great and dear friend Bill was to our dad, Bill Gautsche. Just four weeks ago he gave a wonderful commemorative speech at our dad's funeral. He and Steve were such a big part in our parent's lives. How lucky they were to share such a lasting friendship. It appears to be the end of an era. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Love, Jeri Anne (Gautsche) Springstead and husband John

Billy, "Ole Boy", I was honored and blessed to be your friend. I'm truly saddend of your passing. Our fishing trip to Canada this past summer will always be remembered and cherished by me. The stories you told were gripping... Here's to the "Great" fishing hole in Heaven!

Dear "Steve" and family,
Bill was a wonderful person and a great boss.
We have often spoke about him, great memories and funny stories.
He made the world a better place and will be missed.
With deepest sympathy.
Dorae and Harry Blessing

Always enjoyed listening to him on the radio. Thank you Mr Cullerton for your service that goes way beyond your military years !!! God bless your family at this time.

The last time I saw Bill was nearly three years ago at my father's funeral. There we shared stories of his association with Plano Molding Company and Dad. “Uncle Bill,” as I called him while growing up, was a frequently mentioned name in our home. He and Dad had a close working relationship in the fishing industry and were dear friends as well. Although they did not know each other during the war, both served in the Army Air Corps in England. Bill, as you know, had been a distinguished pilot of a P-51 “Mustang” during World War II. My Dad, Glenn Simms, was a ball turret gunner on a B-17. Bill's "Mustang" escorted many of the B-17 bombers into enemy territory while fighting off the German aircraft protecting the US bombers.

When Dad died in 2010 at the age of 90. Bill came to pay his respects. It was there he asked if he could have the honor of escorting Dad one last time. And so, in his Ford Mustang, adorned with the markings of his own P-51, Bill led Dad's funeral procession from the church to the cemetery. …This story will always be for me a precious reminder of an amazing man. It still brings tears to my eyes!

When the Lord called this wonderfully generous man Home, Dad was no doubt waiting at the Pearly Gates to greet him! What a glorious reunion they must be having!

My husband, Lance, and I are presently living in England. On several occasions we have been to Steeple Morden in Cambridgeshire and looked across the very field from which Bill flew. It was an honor and privilege to remember him there!

We regret we are unable to personally attend the services and extend our condolences to the Cullerton Family. Sending love and heartfelt sympathy from Nancy Simms, the Simms Family, Lance and me.

Sincerely,
Lowrie Simms Kuhn (Glenn and Nancy Simms's daughter)

Going to miss you uncle Bill, thanks for all the great memories. Let us know how the fishing is
up there . Bob Allen Jr

Very sorry to hear of Bill's passing.
Please accept my condolences.
Sincerely,
Ralph Iacono
(Ridgemoor CC)

When we begin to clone - we will begin with you. I remember those as your words. Your Legacy has touched the lives of so many.
Funny, how it all makes sense now; you were destined to be an ace fighter pilot in this life - so you would be able to fly with that new set of wings in eternity.

My entire family was saddened to hear of Bill's passing. My young children will always remember him from our fishing days at Brairwood. He was truly part of the greatest generation.

Bill was truly one of the best men We have ever had the pleasure of knowing. All of us are better for being touched by Bill. Our prayers are with you and your family.

The family of Walter & Emily Abin, remember Mr. Cullerton with many happy
memories, Michael Volpa, Brian Merkel, Kevin Merkel, Emily died last year at 98. Knowing Bill was one of Walter's
happiest times.

My condolences to the family of this man of integrity. I am grateful to have known him and am in awe of his remarkable legacy. Lifting you all up in thought and prayer as you celebrate his life well lived. A warrior in his youth, now eternally at peace in heaven.

What a Blessing to have had the opportunity to know Bill and hunt with him on several occasions at Medicine Rocks Ranch in Montana over the years. He will be truly missed by all who knew...loved...and admired him !!

What you will always remember is the way he laughed, the stories he told, the guidance he gave.

What you will always know is the friendship he shared, the sacrifices he made, the example he was.

What you will always feel, is his love.

Dear Marc and Chrissie
My sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Dad.... my thoughts and prayers are with you.

A true hero who touched the heart of many with his kindness, wisdom and love! He will be missed! Peaceful thoughts to all the family.

Bill Cullerton was one of the finest men I have met, an extraordinary fighter pilot an aerial ace and triple strafing ace. It is an honor to have known this great man. I did an oral history with him in 2011 and traveled from Ohio four times to hear the incredible stories of his childhood and adult life. I was touched at how much he loved his wife and family and his strong ties to Fenwick High. Thank you Bill for sharing with me.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Mr. Cullerton was nice enough to invite me to his office and talk about his WW II flying days. My dad and I would always listen to him on the radio.

We met at Gene & Georgetti and dicussed the miltary. My father and he both in the Army Air Corp in England. I will miss him coming into Gene's and our conversations.

Marc, Chris and Family-
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father--it saddens me that we have lost another member of the greatest generation and a true american hero---he will be missed but never forgotten...

Yesterday we were discussing Bill and we said he was one of the finest men we had ever known--but then we amended that to say he was THE finest man we had ever known. The word integrity had to have been made up just to describe Bill. He gave his all to each and every one of us in so many ways. His infectious smile will never be forgotten. How fortunate we were to have had him in our lives and we will remember him until our dying days.

What a great legend for a man of his time. We feel we were blessed to have our trails crossed at the Medicine Rocks Lodge. He was truly a gentleman in everyway. We will cherish our moments together.
Marilyn & Hutch

Dear Marc, Chrissie & Family,
Our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My Dad loved going on those fishing trips, I have a feeling what happend in Costa Rica Stayed in Costa Rica. I know there were many laughs and they came home with great stories. Mr. Cullerton touched many of our lives. You are in my prayers.

Bill Cullerton was a great man, a great friend of our family and an American hero. May he rest in peace. Our condolences; may God bless him, Steve and the Cullerton family.
Dave and Sally Hopkinson

Dear Cullerton Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Bill. He was so many wonderful things to so many people, one being my late husband Tony's mentor and dear friend. May he rest in peace.

I have such fond memories of Mr. Collerton and my father Bob Bierk, fishing. My thought and prayers are with your family.
Debbie Bierk

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Bill will be dearly missed. We have such fond memories.
Jim and Bonnie Pickering

Big Bill was kind enough to teach me all about fishing and included me and my brothers on fighing trips. and the Boat shows at McCormick place. How great.
Best wishes to the family. Todd Madden Maui,Hi

WHAT A GREAT GUY HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL
WHO LOVE THE OUTDOORS

My brother Dan Basore introduced us last October at the Naperville Waffle house. He was a friendly man with good advise to help me with my problems with the VA.Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time of loss. Sincerely, Don Basore

Dear Cullerton family we are sorry for your loss.Draw close to God during this difficult time-James 4:8.

Dear Cullerton Family
Please accept our condolences on Bill's death. I had the pleasure of playing golf several times with Bill several times at Butterfield and at Long Beach. He was a great guy and a true American hero. I miss his Saturday AM fishing program on WGN.
I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Mariana and Ted Bruce

Our deepest sympathy.
The Patterson Family

another great voice silenced. thanks for the 20 or so years that improved our weekend mornings. prayers and condolences to all.

Our prayers are with you. He will be missed. He has been in our lives for so many years. So many happy memories.
Art and Lois

Bill Cullerton was a true humanitarian who was always helping others. His efforts on behalf of conservation and natural resources are immeasurable. I am lucky to have known him and called him my friend.

Our best wishes to your family on the loss of Bill. Although we didn't see him at Shedd Aquarium in recent years, he served for a long time as an honorary member of our Board of Trustees. Our deepest sympathies for the loss of a true angler.
Ted Beattie and all Bill's fishy friends at Shedd

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Bill was a great man, a TRUE hero, and always fun to deal with when he came to see us at the dealership. We will miss him dearly.

Michael Haggerty and the whole staff at Jerry Haggerty Chevrolet

Our prayers are with the family. Bill was a wonderful man.

Remembering each of you in our prayers.
Humans don't get any closer to being an angel than what Billy was. What an honor it is for us to know him and call him our friend.

What a life well lived.