William Lion Obituary

Fr. Bill was so relaxed about things. He once heard my confession walking down Michigan ave, so caring and pastoral. Bless him!

Found myself, yesterday in Chicago, walking the streets around Holy Name Cathedral remembering visiting Bill in that area of Chicago. Offered a prayer for him and other priests. Bill was ordained in spring of 1958, what a wonderful class. Cardinal Egan from New York City was one, several others bishops. Bless you Fr. Bill and your class! God give you rest. My parents are buried at St. Mary's, Justice Il.

Fr. Lion was a great mentor for us young altar boys at Holy Ghost church in South Holland back the early 1960s.

Still remember his good humor.
May he Rest In Peace.

God bless you Fr. Lion! You were one of the greats from your ordination class of 58. Rest in peace, you with your other classmates Don Meehling,Springfield and Cardinal Egan of New York!

Rest in Peace Father Lion! You will always have a special place in my heart for giving such a wonderful sermon when you married us. Both Arnie and I live by your words and have for the past 25 years. We really have a blessed marriage and it all started with your blessing. I am forever grateful to you.

Deepest Condolences Patricia Carr, Palos Heights

Back in the 70's I spent considerable time in Springfield representing (IHA)all the hospitals in Illinois. Father Bill and sidekick Father Quinn opened an office just upstairs in the St. George Building. We spent hours, days, and even weeks addressing issues. Father Bill was great, terrific personality, sense of humor--superb representative of the Conference. You have my deepest sympathy!

Father Lion was our favorite at Holy Ghost Church in South Holland. He baptized our son. A Wonderful person to have had in our lives. We truly missed him when he left. Rest in peace.

What a wonderful person and priest to know. The world needs more priests like him.
Frank & Bernadine Nash

The Illinois State Council Knights of Columbus Vocation Support Program thanks you Fr.Lion for answering your call to the priethood and serving so well as the Associate Chaplain for many years in the past.

Father Bill's grandmother (Mary Berny Beranek) and my grandmother (Emma Berny Vancura) were sisters. I met Father Bill in Chicago some 15-20 years ago. He took us around to visit especially cemeteries where relatives are buried. He also attended our 40th wedding anniversary party in Prairie du Chien,WI, in 1996, and in the early 2000's attended a Vancura Family Reunion in Lakefield, MN. I recall the wonderful homily he gave at a Mass said for the family.

Father Bill: You must be a saint. Pray for us.

Loretta Vancura Oehler, Prairie du Chien, WI. [email protected]

Fond memories of Father Lion in the early 60's at Holy Ghost, when it was a brand new church & school. He was a great role model for many children and we were lucky to know him. Rest in peace. Katherine Inglimo Morrison

I remember him fondly as the assistant pastor at Holy Ghost parish in South Holland in the early 1960's when I was a young school girl. Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord!

What a great priest and wonderful man!!! We worked with Fr for many years . He even came to Bloomington to marry our son and his wife. Truly a Great Christian! God bless! Rich and Sue Farrell, Golden, Co

As a young priest he was well received and respected by the parishioners of St. Agnes and was an inspiration to the youth of the parish as he guided us and helped us to fom our teen club. Many fond memories. RC

Father bill you will be missed. we still remember being with yourself and jack & Sharon- Cynthia and myself Michael at the lake Geneva yacht club.good diner and many good times with you.

Father Lion gave us marriage instruction and married my wife and I in 1959 at St. Agnes Church. He lived a very productive priest hood. He will rest in peace. Joe & Marianne DeAngelis

I had the pleasure of working with Father Lion for over 15 yrs. Our deepest sympathy to his nieces and nephew who were his pride and joy! Bless You Father Lion......

My condolences to the family at Ecl.9:5 6 give comfort in knowing where and the condition of our loved ones.

Finally home!
Job well done!
Thank you for
your Priesthood.