He was born March 4, 1954, in Geneva, IL, to Donald Ray and Caroline Rose Louise (Schmidt) Vermaat (forever in our hearts). He married Misty Eve Mathena on August 10, 1989.
His loving immediate family includes: his wife of 33 years, Misty; step-mother Bev Vermaat of South Elgin, IL; five children: Katy (Brad) Lundsteen of Hampshire, IL, Elizabeth (Don) Malcom of Sycamore, IL, Kristina (Tim) Jones of Elburn, IL, Jackie Vermaat of Danvers, IL, and Ricky (Sammie Spencer) Vermaat of LeRoy, IL; eleven grandchildren: Zach (Luka) Holbrook, Kaden (Raven Peterson) Holbrook, Easton Lundsteen, Ally Lundsteen, Ryan Malcom, Anderson Malcom, Harrison Malcom, Hailey Jones (forever in our hearts), Annika Jones, Scarlett Jones, and Farrah Jones; seven siblings: Don Vermaat (forever in our hearts), Ron Vermaat of St. Charles, IL, John (Kathleen) Vermaat of Batavia, IL, Marianne (Darrell) Nelson of Carol Stream, IL, Roseanne Vermaat of Batavia, IL, James Vermaat of DeKalb, IL, and Margaretanne Martinez of St. Charles, IL; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his favorite grand dog, Oakley.
Bill lived every day as if it was his last. He liked to live big. He had so much more to see and do, yet he’s already done and seen enough for an entire lifetime. From a farmer, to a mechanic, to a pilot, to a truck driver, to a contractor, to a car appraiser, to an electrical engineer, to a Purdue graduate, to a mission trip leader, to a firearm instructor, to a powwow manager, to a bison caretaker, to a 4-H leader, and so much more. Bill was the ultimate family man, putting friends and family first and always telling everyone stories about his family. He somehow managed to become friends with (almost) everyone he met. There simply wasn’t enough time on earth for someone like Bill. His heart and mind were larger than life itself. We truly will never see another person like him again. He left a legacy that is unparalleled.
Visitation services to celebrate the life of Bill will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 12 p.m. Burial will be in Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Bill with a donation to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
No need to wear your “Sunday best,” unless of course you want to! Bill would want you to be comfortable. It’s okay to wear what you would to meet up with him for a drink, or ride 4-wheelers through the trails, or go on a motorcycle ride, or hang out in his shop, or even sit by a campfire with him. Or wear that special t-shirt, outfit, or attire that represents your relationship with him. Formal or casual… please wear whatever brings you the most comfort during this difficult time.
As Bill would say…. “Let’s party hearty”
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