Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Kolssak Funeral Home, Ltd.

189 South Milwaukee Avenue

Wheeling, Illinois

William McElyea Obituary

McElyea, William Orn

William Orn McElyea, age 75, of Wheeling. Loving husband of Rae Marie for 40 years. Devoted father of Margaret Laera. Beloved father-in-law of Anthony Laera. Proud papa of Nicholas and Anthony Laera. Dear brother of Frida Magnusdottir, David (Kitty), and Lana McElyea. Cherished son of the late Dayton and Sigurlina "Shelia" McElyea. Fond uncle, cousin, and friend of many. A memorial service will be held Monday August 28, 2023 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1111 N Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL at 10 am. In lieu of flowers donations to the Cleveland Play House at playhousesquare.org appreciated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Tell a story, share a memory, or post a picture at www.funerals.pro. Please call at 847-537-6600 for additional assistance.

Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 24, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William McElyea

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Norma Wise

September 1, 2023

Rae,
I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was a great man. I always enjoyed talking with you and him afer church. May God comfort you and your daughter during this difficult time.

D D

August 31, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Tim Hadde

August 28, 2023

Where does one start? I´ve known Bill for over 40 years. He was an excellent husband, father and friend. We worked together at Puritas Lutheran, committes and church council. He will be missed. Rae and Maggie, my deepest condolences. Tim Hadde

Sue Chamot

August 26, 2023

Rae and Maggie,
I´m so sorry to hear of Bill´s passing.
The 3 of you were one of the nicest families I had the pleasure of working with at WPLS. I´m glad our paths crossed again later at Bethany.
I always enjoyed talking about the current Playhouse Square musicals with Bill!
May God´s love comfort and bless you.

Maggie Laera

August 24, 2023

Love and Miss you daddy. You´ll always be in our hearts.

Robert Ferro

August 23, 2023

So sorry about Bill's passing. He's now in the front row enjoying all his favorite plays. May God's promises bring comfort and peace to Rae and the rest of his family and friends.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in William McElyea's name

Memorial Events
for William McElyea

Aug

28

Memorial service

10:00 a.m.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

1111 N Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Kolssak Funeral Home, Ltd.

189 South Milwaukee Avenue, Wheeling, IL 60090

How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William McElyea's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more