William E. Van Klei

Bill Van Klei, 61, of Crystal Lake passed away unexpectedly at home on November 23, 2022.  He was born in Palatine where he grew up and attended Fremd High School.  He went on to earn an associate degree from McHenry County College.

In April of 1989, he married Wendy Payne.  They moved to Crystal Lake where they raised their family for thirty plus years.

Bill spent many decades working as a heavy equipment operator running many machines but specialized in rolling asphalt.  He was proud of his work and the fact that the world could see and benefit from the finished product.

Bill loved many things – cars, trucks, tools, his job, and fixing things, but above all he loved his family and friends.  Ever so loyal, he was never more than a phone call away willing to do whatever it took to help you out.

He was a gentle giant whose strength, laughter, loyalty and love will be missed by so many.

Bill is survived by his wife, Wendy; children, Jason (Sally) Komora, Kyle Komora and Evan Van Klei; grandchildren, Maverick Komora, Sidney and Roman Komora; father, Pete Van Klei; siblings, Helene (Ray) Eddy, Linda (Chris) Pupich, Mark (Kathy) Woolfington and Jason (Matt) Wood; and many special nieces, nephews,
Many nieces and nephews including Krystal Eddy, Bekky (Drew) Taylor, Jimmy (Rachel) Eddy, Jessica and Alexa Pupich, Joshua and Jacob Woolfington and many more, as well as several great nieces and nephews he loved as his own.

He was preceded by his mother and stepfather, Darlene and Gordon Wood; stepfather, Lewis Woolfington; and stepmother, Pat Van Klei.

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, December 3, from 10 am until a service at 12 noon at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.