William E Kereven

William Emile Kereven

William “Bill” Kereven passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2022.

Born into a large loving family on October 18, 1949 he was the youngest of many children of James and Hazel (Baile) Kereven. Bill was raised by his family, friends, and the Oregon and the Mt. Morris communities, graduating from Oregon High School in 1969. Upon completion, Bill was drafted into the Army completing basic training in Ft. Dix, New Jersey and served as a Sergeant during his deployment to Vietnam through his completion of service.

After being honorably discharged from the military, he returned to the Oregon and Mt. Morris communities and joined the Local 727 Laborers Union out of Dixon, IL proudly working many construction related jobs throughout northern Illinois for more than 45 years.

In December 1975 he married Linda (Schonfelder) Hardesty for 19 years, having one daughter and two, twin, sons. Following their separation Bill had significant, meaningful, long-term relationships with Patricia Bogie (deceased), including his most recent surviving partner, Arlette Howertown.

In addition to being survived by his loving companion, Arlette; surviving family members include; Emily Southard (Joe), sons; Nicholas Kereven (Johanna) and Wesley Kereven. His grandchildren Donovan Roby, Elis Roby, Kaimen Williams, Samantha Kereven, Levi James Niles Kereven and  great grandchild Valentin Roby.

Please join family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate and share stories of the life of “William”, “Bill”, “Willie”,“Wild Bill”/“Mild Bill” (slowing down in his later years), “Uncle Bill”, “Grandpa Bill”,  “Friend”, “Good Samaritan” and, most recently, “Great Grandpa Bill” on Sunday December 11, 2022 from 3pm until 5pm in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL.

Please no flower or plant arrangements, in lieu of, the family has set up a memorial to help offset final expenses and donate any remaining funds local community organizations supporting causes Bill was passionate about including those supporting veterans and union activities.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a date to be determined.

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