William Hoffmeister

The world became a lot lonelier with the passing of William (Bill) Hoffmeister. Born at home in Chicago, IL on May 30, 1936 to William and Anna (Rogers) and passed away on June 15, 2024. We lost a devoted Father, Papa, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Godfather, Friend, and Confidant. 

Dad was initially employed at Rock Island Railroad and then left to enlist in the Coast Guard at Cape May, New Jersey. He also attended Machinist Mates School at Great Lakes, Illinois. He was stationed in Miami and St. Petersburg, Florida and sailed the seas to Cuba, Hawaii, Guam, Wake Island, Philippines, and Japan. Upon returning home, Dad continued at the Rock Island Railroad in the freight department and then went on to work 30+ years in the import/export business. He was a member of the International Trade Club of Chicago, Ocean Freight Agents Association and the Western Michigan, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis Trade Clubs. 

After moving to Frankfort in 1972, Dad volunteered for various clubs and organizations. He was also involved for over 37 years as a trustee with the Frankfort Fire Department. He also was a past President of the Northern Illinois Alliance. Through these organizations, dad met so many people who then became dear friends for life. 

Preceding Dad in death were his parents, brother Douglas, step mother Marion, and brother in laws, Andrew, John and sister in law Judy Hodolitz, nephew Michael Hodolitz, and great niece, Kayla Kreil. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Lisa (Randy) Segalla, son Daniel (Nadine) and granddaughter Caitlyn (Donny); devoted siblings, Jack (Anne), Bob, Don (Bev), Charlene, Tom (Sue), Barbara (Heinz), Darlene, Mark (MaryAnn); including in-laws Phyllis Herman, Pam Behrens (Roy) and Tommy (Gail), 32 nieces and nephews, 55 great nieces and nephews and 5 great great nieces and 2 great nephews. Special friends include Jack Augutis, Frank and Dorothy Schryner, James Grady and family, Marilyn Kurtz, Tommy and Michelle Vana, Heidi Hermes, Ron Kubicki, Bob Buhs, Bill’s Kurtz Girls, everyone at the Frankfort Fire Dept., Northern Illinois Alliance, and many more dear friends so numerous to mention. 

We created a Facebook page if you would like to add a memory/story.  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562703486298

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to:

One Hundred Club who provides assistance to the families of law enforcement, firefighters and other public safety who are killed in the line of duty while engaged in public service and in the employ of any agency within the County of Will, state of Illinois. 24600 Presidential Avenue, Plainfield, Illinois 60544 (815) 782-6787 https://100clubwillcounty.com/

Coast Guard Foundation. 394 Taugwonk Road Stonington, CT 06378 860-535-0786. 

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation P.O. Drawer 498 Emmitsburg, MD 21727www.firehero.org/donate/. (301) 447‑1365

Dad will be missed beyond words. 

If possible, wear blue or patriotic colors.