In Loving Memory William J. "Bill" Keener 11/28/1938 - 7/6/2010

WONDER LAKE - William J. Keener, age 71, of Wonder Lake, died Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at his home.

He was born November 28, 1938 in Yukon, Pennsylvania to David R. and Mildred (Baird) Keener. On September 11, 1976, he married Susan M. McDowell at St. Viator Church in Chicago.

At the age of three, Bill moved with his family moved from Pennsylvania to Chicago. Raised and educated in Chicago, he graduated from Chicago Vocational School. Following his marriage in 1976, he became a resident of Wonder Lake.

During a career spanning over 38 years, he used his expertise in providing the service of repairing and adjusting sewing machines. He was the owner of The Sewing Depot in McHenry until 2001. From 2001 until his retirement in 2009, he owned Creative Cushions in Harvard, which made cushions for wicker furniture.

He was a loving family man, and especially enjoying spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Other enjoyments included his model train collection, music from the Elvis era, playing the slot machines; camping in the Wisconsin Dells area, and participating in the monthly meets of the Fox Valley P.T. Cruiser Club. A life long animal lover, Bill was often shadowed by his two treasured companions, German Shepherds Barney and Cali. He had a special way of working with various animals, from tending to the minor medical needs of birds to feeding the chipmunks around his home.

Survivors include his loving wife of 33 years, Susan; three children, Bill (Kathy) Keener of Highland, Indiana, Lisa (the late Sean) Kelley of Pleasant Prairie, WI, and Frank (Crystal) Keener of Wonder Lake; his mother, Mildred Keener of Wonder Lake; 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; two sisters, Carole (the late Wayne) Vistine of Wonder Lake, and Rosemarie (the late Richard) Tillman of Montgomery, IL; two sisters-in-law, Jan McDowell of Wonder Lake, and Barb Keener of Tinley Park; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Norma McDowell.

He was preceded in death by his father; two brothers, John Keener and Meredith “Bucky” (the late Fran) Keener; and a sister, Mary Ethel Sager.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, July 9, 2010, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60050.

Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until prayers are said at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, prior to proceeding to Christ the King Catholic Church for the celebration of the 11 a.m. funeral Mass. The Rev. Steven Sabo will officiate.

Inurnment in Christ the King Cemetery will be held the following week.

For information, please call the funeral home at 815-385-2400. Friends may send an on-line condolence to the family at www.justenfh.com.