William A. Fletcher

William (Bill) Fletcher approached life always ready with a joke to tell, a tune to whistle, and a song to sing. Saying he was a character would be an understatement. He was charming, handsome, kind-hearted, giving, one of a kind, and larger-than-life, our “Poppy.”

Born in Waukesha, WI in 1930 and raised in Glomar, KY, life was not always easy, but Bill worked hard and made the most out of every opportunity. In 1949 while working as an usher for the summer at the Academy Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois, he met Barbara Drinka, the love of his life.

Bill and Barb married in 1951 and celebrated their 72nd anniversary this past January. Shortly after their marriage, Bill joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and served from 1951 to 1953. Upon his return from Washington DC, he began working for his father-in-law at Drinka Plumbing gaining his Journeyman license in 1956.

Together, Bill and Barb raised three children and took over Drinka Plumbing, ensuring its success as a family-owned and operated business for another generation.

In addition to the thriving plumbing business, they also owned Fletcher Apartments. The tenants throughout the years were like family, and some were. More than half of their grandchildren lived there at some point and have memories of their Poppy on his tractor donned in his black leather hat plowing the parking lot, whistling in the halls, or passing out ice cream from the deep freezer. His door was always open for visitors, especially around cocktail hour.

Bill loved children. His greatest joy was singing to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or any child he saw. Because of him, they can all recite the lyrics to In the Little Red Schoolhouse, A You’re Adorable, and How Much Is That Doggie In The Window to name but a few.

Bill also enjoyed vacationing with family and friends. He went on many cruises, trips to Vegas, and enjoyed an annual trip to Puerto Rico each winter.

Family was most important to Bill and we are grateful to know he has been reunited in heaven with those he has not seen in a long time. We are certain he has an arsenal of jokes ready for them. When it’s your time to join that reunion, remember his words, “Mention my name, you’ll get a good seat.”

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings Betty Dionne, Barbara Harrison, Delores “Bernice” Russell, Phyllis, Robert, and Margaret Spencer, sister-in-law Dorothey Reed, and brother-in-law Dale Gordon.

Bill is survived by his wife Barb, his children Judy (Al) Zimmer of Gurnee, IL, William (Carie) Fletcher, Joe (Diane) Fletcher of Kenosha, WI, grandchildren Becky (Kris) Kinahan, Joe Fletcher, Beth (Nick) Stevens, Artie (Kirsten) Fletcher, Barbie (Jim) Lennon, Billy (Andrea) Fletcher, and Leslie (David) Smith, 16 great-grandchildren, three brothers, Stanley (Frances) Fletcher, Donald (Bertha) Spencer, and Patrick (Diane) Fletcher and three sisters, Velma “Jinnie” Gordon, Mary Jane Fletcher-Dickson, and Jenny (Keith) Wiegmann, as well as many nieces, and nephews, cousins, and many very dear friends.

A visitation for William will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N Cemetery Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031. A funeral mass will occur Monday, April 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Dismas Catholic Church-Little Flower Parish, 2600 Sunset Ave, Waukegan, IL 60087. A graveside service will occur Monday, April 24, 2023 at Ascension Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, 1920 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MarshFuneralHome.com for the Fletcher family.