William Robert Walsh

William Robert Walsh, age 90, of South Holland, IL, passed away peacefully Friday, August 22, 2014. Married on March 31, 1951 for 55 years to his loving late wife Marion L. Walsh nee McGuire. Devoted father of Timothy (Carolyn) Walsh, Richard Walsh, Lawrence (Denise) Walsh, Karin (Russ) Amptmeyer, Maureen (Frank) DeKruiff and the late William Walsh. Proud grandpa of William, Rebecca, Brian, Conor, Christy, Ashley, Emily, Marie, Lawrence Jr., Ryan, Kelly, Mark, Rusty, Samantha, and Jessica; Great-grandpa of Brandon, Alyssa, Brooklyn, Tommy, Bailey Nicholas, Marc Anthony, Victoria, Olivia, and Aurora. Dear brother of Thomas (Nancy) Walsh, and the late Fred Walsh. Kind uncle of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Fred and Loretta Walsh, infant children Robert, Jay, Dolores Mary, and daughter-in-law Eiko. He was born in Lockport, IL to Loretta (McGee) and Fred Walsh. Joined the U.S. Navy and served from 1943 - 1946, primarily in the South Pacific. One of the highlights of his service was meeting up with his brother Fred in Guam, as their war ships converged. William was awarded the Asia Pacific Battle Star (5stars), American Area Victory Bar and the Philippines Expeditionary Force and Liberation Force Medals. William was a teller of tales. He loved long fishing trips, his golden retriever Taffy, and the thrill of a good flea market hunt. He enjoyed bestowing his "treasures" on his grandchildren, he was extremely proud of all his grandkids achievements. He enjoyed big-band, traditional Irish, and country music. Visitation Monday, August 25, 2014 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Prayer service Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. from Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt. 30 & Pleasant Springs Lane) Dyer, IN 46311 to St. Jude the Apostle Church (880 E. 154th St. South Holland, IL 60473) for 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. John J. Powers officiating. Interment Assumption Cemetery - Glenwood, IL. Memorial contributions to VITAS Hospice (1423 Chicago Rd. 6 North Chicago Heights, IL 60411) or Alzheimer''s Assoc. (8430 W. Bryn Mawr Ste. 800 Chicago, IL 60631) appreciated.