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Celebration of Life:
Will Genz spent some of his happiest times
playing softball with the Roadrunners. Please join
his children for a celebration of his life. Sunday,
August 4th at 1 p.m. at the field across from
Lincoln Junior High
Obituary
Willard John “Will” Genz, age 85, of
Marion, IL, passed away with his family by his side
at 3:46 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2019, in
Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, IL.
Will was born on Wednesday, November
29, 1933, in Elgin, IL, the son of Leslie and Viola
(Keeker) Genz. He grew up in the
Carpentersville-Dundee area, attending school there
and
was a graduate of Carpentersville-Dundee High School
Class of 1951.
After graduation from high school Will answered the
call of this nation in 1952, and served in the
United States Navy during the time of the Korean War
as a corpsman, medic and pharmacy technician and
faithfully served until he was honorably discharged
November 30, 1956.
He was united in marriage to
Elizabeth Ann Owen on Wednesday, August 17, 1955, in
Bethesda, Maryland and together they shared nearly
46 years of marriage until her death on Thursday,
May 17, 2001.
After he was discharged, Will continued his
education at the University of Illinois Circle
Campus in Chicago, IL where he received his degree
as a Registered Pharmacist.
His working career as a Pharmacist began with Rexall
Drugs in West Chicago.
Later he worked for Kroger’s in
Lincoln, IL and eventually owned and operated his
own pharmacy called “Will Genz Pharmacy” in Lincoln
for several years until his health forced his to
retire.
During his lifetime, Will has lived
in many states including Maryland,
Oregon, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois. Since moving to
Marion, IL in late 2000 he has been a member of Good
Sheppard Lutheran Church. Everywhere he moved he
became involved with a church. While living in
Owensboro, KY, for 25 years he was a member of St.
John’s United Methodist Church where he taught
bible study and was part of the Men’s Club and in
Lincoln, IL was a member of First United Methodist
Church.
When he was younger he enjoyed playing the ukulele.
Will was known as being a gifted fast pitch
underhand softball pitcher being able to deliver the
ball over the plate at 98 mph and played for the
Lincoln Road Runners. In 1969, under the direction
of his pitching, the Road Runner’s won the Illinois
State Softball Championship Tournament and Will was
selected as the MVP. In his later years he enjoyed
painting by numbers, reading and writing
poetry and was an avid bridge player.
Will loved his family and enjoyed the many times
they all would be together.
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He was always interested in all of
their many activities, especially those
of his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and
the many memories created will now be cherished by
those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by five children, Gretchen Genz
Davidson of Skokie, IL, Camilla Genz Klaskin and her
husband George of Kettle River, MN, Jennie Genz of
Metropolis, IL, Christopher Owen Genz and his wife
Wendy of Denver, CO and Antoinette “Toni” Genz
Hayden and her husband Tony of Marion, IL; seven
grandchildren, Katie Penrod of Metropolis, IL,
Daniel Penrod and his wife Tish of Danville, KY,
Elizabeth Genz of Nashville, TN, Kenai Klaskin of
Duluth, MN, Gus Klaskin of Minneapolis, MN, Joe
Hayden and Kirsten Hock and
her husband Daniel all of Marion, IL; seven great
grandchildren, Leah Cook, Jase Cook, Olivia Penrod
and Annabel Penrod all of Danville, KY, Saige Hock
of Benton, TN and Luna-Ann Hock and Axton Hock both
of Marion, IL, other extended family members, and
many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife,
Elizabeth Ann Owen Genz and sister, Donna Reckers.
Will Genz spent some of his happiest
times playing softball with the Roadrunners. Please
join his children for a celebration of his life.
Sunday, August 4th at 1 p.m. at the field across
from Lincoln Junior High. |
