Services Set For Beloved Manhattan Fire Trustee Killed In Crash

PEOTONE, IL — Services have been set for a longtime, highly respected member of the fire service in Peotone and the Manhattan Fire Protection District.

William "Bill" Osborne, 67, died Jan. 11 in a single vehicle crash. His colleagues on Monday honored Osborne for his three decades of dedication to public service, beginning as a volunteer firefighter in Peotone in January 1977. Osborne was a certified firefighter III, fire apparatus engineer, and hazardous materials technician, the district wrote.

Osborne was born in Chicago Heights. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Vickie, as well as children, Joshua (Kelly) Osborne, Christopher (Shelby) Osborne, and Brianna Lubert; grandchildren Shaylee Osborne-Zuelke, Keegan Krug, Zoey Osborne, Cambrian Osborne, Sophia Osborne, Corbin Pistilli, Luke Lubert, Ava Lubert, and Brayden Lubert; his brothers and sister, Alan (Lisa) Osborne, David (Deb) Osborne, Cindy (George) Cole, Timothy (Kristi) Osborne; and Gregory Osborne.

His family remembers him as "the jack of all trades and the fixer of all things," according to his obituary.

"If you knew Bill, he probably helped you with a project or a problem at one time or another. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand."

His colleagues also emphasized his reliability and collaborative spirit.

At Peotone Fire Protection District, Osborne played an integral role in the district's growth and development. He was a key participant in the committee that developed and built the current Peotone Station. As the department transitioned from an all-volunteer organization to one with staffing, Osborne utilized his skills to create sleeping quarters that allowed for 24-hour coverage.

"His contributions over the years were countless, and it is true to say that our organization would not be what it is today without the efforts of Bill Osborne," the district said.

He served on the Peotone Fire Protection District as a commissioner, "where his commitment to the community and the fire service remained a guiding light for improving the organization he cherished for decades."

When the district consolidated with that of Manhattan Fire Protection District in 2023, he continued to serve as a trustee, until the time of his death.

"The Manhattan Fire Protection District, the Peotone community, and his fire service family lost a great leader, servant, and friend on Saturday, January 11, 2025," the district wrote. "A wise man once said that you must be a great friend to have great friends, and that is how Bill lived."

Visitation will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home, 112 W. Main St., Peotone, on Thursday, January 16, from 3 to 8 p.m. There will be a fire department walk through service at 6 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Friday, January 17, at 11 a.m. There will be visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the funeral service.

Bill’s family, the obituary notes, invites everyone to dress casually like he enjoyed doing. Jeans and flannels are more than appropriate. The burial will be at Peotone Cemetery.