William E. Stinson

Jan. 20, 1961 — April 5, 2004

William Edward "Bill" Stillson, 43, of Granger, Ind., passed away Monday, April 5, from injuries sustained after a fall. Bill was born on Jan. 20, 1961, in South Bend, Ind., the son of Lillian Cubberley and the late Edward Stillson.

On June 29, 1985, he married the love of his life, Janet "Jan" Woznicki, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, South Bend. Surviving Bill are his wife, Jan; his mother, Lillian (Janowczyk) Cubberley, and her husband, Ken. His brothers include James (Linda) Stillson of Indianapolis, Ind., Paul (Debbie) Stillson of Leesburg, Ga., and Keith (Jamie) Stillson of South Bend. Also, Clementine Janowczyk, his maternal grand-mother. Bill's extended family, which also loved him dearly, includes his mother-in-law, Flo Woznicki, and his father-in-law, the late Ervin Woznicki; his brothers-in-law, Jeff Woznicki and Bill (Jennifer) Woznicki; his sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Greg) Pope and Robin (Dan) Fleck. Nothing was more important to Bill and Jan then being surrounded by the love of their "children" —their nieces and nephews — Ryan, Shaun, Ashley, Kyle and Katelyn Pope, Brandon Chiariello, Derek, Teddy and Gabrielle Woznicki, Heather McMillan, Holly Rickard, Hilary and Seth Baldridge, James Jr., Danielle, Cassandra, Paul Jr. and Ginny Stillson. He treasured his relationship with each and every one of them. Just as special to Bill was his canine companion, Teddy.

Many aunts, uncles and cousins blessed his life. Bill and Uncle Ed had a special bond, as both were accomplished guitarists. His greatest joy was to be surrounded by his family and countless, cherished friends. Bill celebrated life at every opportunity. Bill was a gifted guitarist, beginning in a church folk group and continuing through the years at numerous social and family events. Bill's favorite leisure activities included camping and fishing. Bill spent many summers at Fox Wood Hills Campground, enjoying family, friends and the great outdoors. He also derived much pleasure from gardening and creative cooking. Bill graduated from Clay High School in 1979.

Following graduation, he continued his education at Ivy Tech State College. Throughout his career, Bill kept his electrical engineering skills current, studying at Auto Cad School, Grounding School and Cat 5 Schooling. Bill was employed with K & S Electric Company, Elkhart, Ind., as vice president, project manager and estimator. He was a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the Loyal Order of Moose #1262. Bill was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church all of his life, serving in the music ministry in his earlier years.

Bill was a person who was always available to fill a need for someone else. His loving wife, Jan, consented to his final wish as an organ donor to enable others to share the abundant beauty and joy of this life. His presence will be truly missed by all whose lives he so graciously touched.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today, April 12, in the Hickey Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, where a Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. A Mass in celebration of his life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 13, in Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 S.R. 933, South Bend, with Fr Tom Jones and Fr. Don Woznicki officiating. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Bill Stillson Memorial Fund, do Bank One, 1825 E. Bristol St., Elkhart, IN 46514. 

Source: Newspapers.com

11/10/2023 EJS