Obituaries
Obituary: William Harrington Lemm
He lived a life rich in purpose, service, and unwavering dedication to those around him.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
William Harrington Lemm
William Harrington Lemm, age 94 of Crest Hill, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at his home.
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Beloved husband of the late Nancy (nee Norton) Lemm; loving father of Bonnie Cesario, Deborah (late Andrew) Wesolowski, and Karen (Robert) Kennard; loving grandfather of Shaun Freeman, Kevin Freeman, Kristen Kennard, Breanne Sharos, William Kennard, and Brendan Petersen; proud great-grandfather to Liam, Lydia, Aria, and Lyle; uncle to two nieces, Kathy and Teresa and one nephew, Guy Keefer.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; his parents, and sister, Carol (late Guy) Keefer.
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William was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. A retired HR executive, he wore many “hats” during his long career. He served his country during the Korean Conflict with the Army Security Agency. He was Chairman Emeritus of the Chicago Council II, past President of the Southern Cook County Industrial Association, the Industrial Relations Associations of Chicago Heights, and the GFLLRR Association, and past CFO of Raccoon Sal. A former Rotarian, he was the past President of the Rotary Club of Fairfield Bay and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of the American Legion Post 0333 and VFW Post 2193. He was a Knight of Columbus, Council 15713 and Assembly 3232. He was also a past Faithful Navigator Assembly 2116.
He was the lector for St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas for 25 years. Additionally, he served as an instructor for the Midwest Institute.
Bill was known for his keen sense of humor and quick wit, connecting with people at all levels. He would always “tell it like it is.” In his free time, he was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting, fishing, hang gliding, scuba diving, Windy City softball, and pick-up basketball games.
A memorial visitation celebrating Bill's life will take place Monday, June 9, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd) Joliet.
A prayer service will begin at the funeral home Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. with Bill’s Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1705 Burry Circle in Crest Hill. Committal prayers and Military Honors will take place that afternoon at 1 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
