March 14, 1952 - March 11, 2023

Obituary

William [Bill] Jerome O’Shaughnessy Jr., 70, peacefully passed into heaven on Saturday March ​11, 2023 at his home in Mundelein.

Bill was exceptional.

He lived his life with joy, took risks, and loved greatly. The very definition of a friend.

He warmed up every room, his presence a constant comfort. The first to make others feel ​welcomed, seen or loved. He was fiercely loyal, a shoulder to lean on and a gentle giant. He ​never took life too seriously.

Bill was born on March 14, 1952 to the late William and Sharon (Manning) O’Shaughnessy in ​Peoria, IL. He would later graduate high school in Portland, OR and attended Gonzaga ​University in Spokane, Wa. He graduated with a B.A. in History and lived abroad in Florence, ​Italy his junior year. Living in Florence introduced him to lifelong friends and after college, ​“Billy-O” would tell everyone he met about his deep love of “the ‘Zags.”

He worked in the manufacturing industry, production and inventory operations, at Solo Cup ​Co., Castwell Products, and Pactiv and then Reynolds Consumer Products. Bill was President ​of the Champaign Chapter of the Association of Supply Chain Management (APICS) ​Champaign, IL.

He was bold but could be shy, relying on his sister Susan to set him up with the love of his life, ​Rilla Mealiff, in 1982. Their marriage, August 13, 1983, would lead to almost 40 years of ​adventures and no fights. In 1986, their family would grow to include, Meghan Irene Bakken, ​his precious and only daughter.

In 2012, Bill joyfully walked Meghan down the aisle to Josiah Bakken and they would give Bill ​three treasures, Evelyn, Isla, and Rhodes. Spoiling his grandchildren brought him the greatest ​joy, going to the park or reading together his most favorite moments.

Bill loved traveling, going across the country with Rilla to visit presidential libraries, visiting ​family, or journeying to new National Parks with their grandchildren.

He had a prolific love of reading and music. You could usually hear him listening to James ​Taylor in his favorite chair divided between a John Grisham or a presidential biography.

Bill’s love of people was unmatched and he had a huge heart for the community. An avid ​marathoner, he led the Second Wind Running Club and founded the St. Patricks Day walk/run ​in the early 1990s in Champaign-Urbana, IL. Devoted to his faith, he would join the Parish ​Council, Knights of Columbus, and served on the Catholic Social Service Board. He was ​always finding ways to volunteer locally at the church.

Later, he would attend night classes, becoming a paralegal, volunteering with local ​immigration organizations.

In the last months of his life, he joined the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), volunteering with ​middle school students at the Most Blessed Trinity Academy, an experience he loved dearly.

Bill was many things, a loving father to his wife of almost forty years, an exceptional father to ​his only daughter, a proud grandpa to his treasured grandchildren, beloved brother to his ​siblings and in-laws, a devoted uncle and deeply admired by those who called him friend.

Bill is survived by his forever love and devoted wife of 40 years, Rilla Diane Mealiff. She ​survives. Other survivors include his daughter Meghan Irene Bakken, son-in-law Josiah Bakken, ​and three treasured grandchildren Evelyn Lilia, Isla Noelle, and Rhodes David William Bakken.

Bill is also survived by his brothers, Thomas (Darla) O'Shaughnessy of Catlin, IL, Patrick (Elaine) ​O'Shaughnessy of Danville, IL, and Robert (Tamara) O'Shaughnessy of Munster, IN; and his ​sisters, Kathleen (Rick) Hampton of Charleston, IL, Christine (Brad) Finley of Peoria, IL, Susan ​(Kevin) Durbin of Muncie, IN, and Mary (Kent) Pickering of Westchester, IL. Surviving brother-in-​laws includes David Nicholson. Bill is predeceased by sister, Molly Nicholson. Bill is also ​survived by brothers and sisters-in-laws: David (Linda) Mealiff of Beloit, KS, and Daryl (Donna) ​Mealiff of Champaign, IL.

He loved family and deeply cherished being a Godfather and is survived by many nieces, ​nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Bill’s family is thankful for his medical care team heroes who worked to save his life through ​critical care over the last four years. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab enabled him to return to his daily ​life enjoyments.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of his late sister’s memory and Bill’s medical heroes, memorials ​may be made to the Molly A. Nicolson Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, Danville Area ​Community College Foundation, 2000 East Main Street, Danville, IL, Phone 217-443-8772.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Saturday March 18th, 2023, at Holy Family ​Catholic Church in Danville, IL with Fr. Steven Loftus celebrating. Wear red or navy blue in ​honor of his beloved sports teams, the Cardinals, Gonzaga and Notre Dame. Sporting apparel ​is welcome and formal wear not required. Celebration of Life lunch will follow.

Obituary and online condolences may be offered on William’s memorial website: ​https://williamjerome.my.canva.site