William C. Wilmarth, age 82, of Galena, IL, passed away on February 4, 2019, at home.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 A/M, on Monday, February 11, 2019, at the United Methodist Church, in Galena, with Rev. Catiana McKay officiating.  Friends may call on Sunday, February 10, 2019, from 2 P/M to 6 P/M at the Church.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Burial of the cremated remains will be immediately following the service at Greenwood Cemetery, Galena.

Bill was born June 13, 1936, in Galena, IL, the son of C. K. "Jim" and Evelyn (Hansing) Wilmarth.

He attended school in Galena and Robinsdale, MN, and graduated from Galena High School in 1954.  Bill served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958.  He was stationed in Okinawa, Kume Jima and Texas.  Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force he began his studies at Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology-Platteville, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 1962.  In 1972 he completed his MA degree from Clarke College, Dubuque, IA.

He married Donna Pope on June 6, 1970, at the United Methodist Church in Galena.

Bill was a teacher in the Galena School System for (34) years, retiring in 1996.  Prior to retirement he worked as a grounds keeper at LeFevre Inn in Galena and after retiring Bill worked part time at Veterinary Associates in Galena.

Surviving are his wife, Donna; his son, David (Heidi) Wilmarth, of Galena, IL; and his beloved grandson, Benjamin Wilmarth.

He is also survived by two sisters, Duane "Daney" Fitzpatrick, of Freeport, IL, Phyllis Lininger, of Hot Springs National Park, AK; a sister-in-law, JoAnn (Keith) Hesselbacher; (7) nieces and nephews; (16) great nieces and nephews; and numerous great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Joseph and Marieta Pope; (2) brothers-in-law, Franklin "Fitz" Fitzpatrick and Tom Lininger; a great niece, Carrie Clark; and a great-great nephew, Cline Becker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Autism Speaks, Galena School Foundation, The Galena Foundation or the Galena United Methodist Church.

The Miller Funeral Home, of East Dubuque, is serving the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com