William “Bill” Ptashnik
07/28/1918 - 06/14/2008
Obituary
William “Bill” Ptashnik, 89, a resident of the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle, Il. for the past 14 years and formerly of Kewanee died Saturday, June 14, 2008 at the home. Bill was born July 28, 1918 in Kewanee the son of Konstantine “Gus” and Anna (Lazar) Ptashnik. His Christian name at birth was Fledgamier.
Bill graduated from Kewanee High School in 1936. He served four years in the Army Air Corps attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was an airplane mechanic. Following the war he worked at the former Kewanee Works Walworth Co. and later was employed for 32 years at Kewanee Manufacturing retiring in 1981.
Bill married Lou Jean Crawford February 5, 1955 in Moline, Il. She survives along with two sons, Terry William Ptashnik and Kenneth Lee (Kristina) Ptashnik all of Kewanee. Three grandchildren Ashley (David) Lamb, Adam Ptashnik and Apryl Ptashnik, one great granddaughter Madilynne Trimmer, two sisters Mrs. Ann Kren of Crown Point, In. and Elizabeth (Dean) Litton of East Moline, Il., nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one brother John and one sister Pauline Chapman.
Bill was a 49 year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kewanee where he had served on the Elder Board. He was a member of the Kewanee American Legion Post #31, Flemish American Club and a charter member of the former Prairie Chicken Camping club. He enjoyed boating, camping, dancing, fishing, gardening and travel.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church in Kewanee. Pastor Dan Craig will officiate. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Kewanee where military honors will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Wednesday at the Church.
Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, Kewanee or the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle.
