William Spence Wike

William "Spence" Wike, 75, of Bartonville, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Spence was born on July 8, 1949, in Springfield, IL, to Roger and Jewel (Oglesby) Wike. He graduated from Ritenour Senior High School in Overland, Missouri. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Priscilla “Penny” (McCormack) Wike, on September 12, 1970. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1972. Spence went on to earn several additional degrees and professional certifications through his lifelong love of learning.

Spence and Penny have four children: William James (Christina) Wike of East Peoria, IL; Spence Philip (Ashli) Wike of Mahomet, IL; Theresa (Chris) Black of Peoria, IL; and Jennifer (Jeff) Ceyba of San Tan Valley, AZ. Spence and Penny have seven grandchildren: Dorian (Northern Illinois University), Bianca and Silas Wike of East Peoria, IL; Alexis (Millikin University) and Austin Wike of Mahomet, IL; and Shane and Cooper Black of Peoria, IL. Spence was preceded in death by grandchildren Nolan Wike and Mary Ann Black. Spence is survived by his sister, JoAnn Hornbeck. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, John Philip Wike and Roger C. Wike, Jr. He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Spence held numerous careers during his life. He truly never retired. During his professional career, he participated in numerous professional organizations including the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, BNI, Limestone Chamber of Commerce, and many more. As a parent, he served as countless coaches, sponsors, leaders, and board members for various organizations. He spent his free time tinkering with his boat, Penny’s ‘Ohana, docked at the Peoria Boat Club, tending to his extensive garden, and playing with his grandchildren. He was an active member of the United Stroke Alliance Stroke Survivors Support Group and the Peoria Boat Club.

Visitation will be held at Davison-Fulton/ Bartonville Chapel, 1203 West Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL on Sunday, November 3, from 2-4 p.m. Private burial will take place on Monday, November 4th.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to United Stroke Alliance at www.unitedstrokealliance.org.

Words of comfort can be shared with the Wike family at www.Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com