William Morkes II

William Michael Morkes II was born February 9, 1922 in Chicago to William and Helen Morkes and passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at Pepper Family Hospice in Barrington surrounded by his family.

Bill was loved by many and is survived by his children William (Kathleen) Morkes III, Wayne (Joanne) Morkes, Linda (John) Schaber, Laura (David) Davis, Debra Heatherly, Sandra DePaul, and Rhonda (Mark) Dehn; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his sister Helean Ray; and his brother-in-law Charles (Candy) Kristufek.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Elaine (1997).

Bill was a faithful Christian who loved his Catholic faith and was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Crystal Lake. His kindness and humor touched all who met him.

Bill served in the Army Air Force during World War II, completing 39 missions on a B-17 bomber named “The Able Mable”. After the war he married Elaine on February 17, 1945 at Epiphany Catholic Church in Chicago and went to work in the candy store his father started in 1920 – Morkes Chocolates. His legacy continues today through the business under the direction of his daughter, Rhonda. In his retirement Bill loved spending time with his family.

Visitation will be 5-9pm Thursday, October 11 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave (Route 176), Crystal Lake. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Friday, October 12 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave (Route 176), Crystal Lake, where there will be visitation from 9:15am until the time of the Mass. Burial in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine, will follow the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010