William Eli Odette

William Eli Odette, Sr., 84, of Bourbonnais, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. William was born on January 21, 1940, in Kankakee, the son of William L. and Vivian M. (Hess) Odette. He married Linda Corby on June 20, 1960, in Norfolk, VA., and they were married for 64 wonderful years. William worked at Roper Corporation, Alliant Technology, and retired from Merisant Company in 2003. William proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1958 through 1962 in Norfolk, VA. He was a parishioner at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kankakee and enjoyed watching old western movies. Most of all, William cherished the time spent with his family. William is survived by his loving wife, Linda Odette; son, William (JoAnne) Odette, Jr. of Gilman, IL.; 3 daughters, Patricia (Ray) Groff of Hamilton, GA., Dee (Scott) Ruhlander Fairbury, IL., Jennifer (Jonathan) Truhlar of Minooka, IL.; sister, Diana Engelman of Chatham, IL., 13 grandchildren, William Odette III, Westley Groff, Marty (Kristy) Cotter, Erica (Lamar) White, Jeffrey (Cassie) Cotter, Aaron Ruhlander, Mia Truhlar, Jacob Truhlar, Simon Truhlar, Olivia Truhlar, Isabella Truhlar, Sophia Truhlar, Bria Truhlar; 10 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Carl (Anna) Corby of Claxton, GA. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Vivian Odette of Kankakee; sister, Judy Norton of Bradley; great grandson, Klark Cotter (our Little Superman) of Bluffton, OH. A private graveside burial with military honors will take place at Kankakee Memorial Gardens. Cremation rites have been accorded.