William "Bill" Patrick White

Age 71, of Verona, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at Morris Hospital in Morris, Illinois.

Born on October 4, 1954, in Morris, William Patrick was the son of Joseph and Vernadine (Curran) White. He was raised in Kinsman, attended Kinsman Grade School, and graduated from MVK High School with the Class of 1972. Following high school, Bill attended Joliet Junior College, graduating in 1974. He then continued his education at Illinois State University, where he graduated in 1976, and later earned his Master of Science degree in Geography from the University of Illinois.

Bill worked as a fluvial geomorphologist and senior research scientist. His work focused on managing scientific research and analyzing landforms and the natural processes that created and shaped them. He served as the geomorphologist for the FAI-270 Archaeology Project near St. Louis, where he helped reconstruct the history of the land dating back to the time when Indigenous peoples lived there. He also assisted with the design of an island in the Illinois River that helped restore natural fish habitats. Throughout his career, Bill worked on numerous stream and river projects across the state, helping to minimize flooding and erosion damage.

Bill was the author of numerous professional reports and publications, including a chapter in American Bottom Archaeology. He had a genuine passion for learning and loved sharing his knowledge with others, especially his appreciation for the natural world and the land around us.

Outside of his professional life, Bill was an avid student of World War II history and was always reading and learning about events from that era. He loved playing baseball, watching University of Illinois basketball, and was a lifelong White Sox fan. He also enjoyed fishing, spending time in his garden, and being outdoors. Bill and his wife, Colleen, shared a love of travel and enjoyed visiting Marco Island, Islamorada, and Wisconsin.

Bill married Colleen Schaefer on October 19, 2018, at the Morris Country Club. Together, they created many wonderful memories through their travels and time spent with family and friends.

Above all, Bill had a deep love for his family and absolutely adored his grandchildren. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a warm personality that brought joy to those around him. He will be remembered as a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Bill’s kindness, curiosity, humor, and love of family and the natural world will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen; two daughters: Jolene (Matt) Zywica and Kate (Matt Strickland) White; two step-daughters: Rebecca (Peter Ladner) Gieseker and Meghan (Eric Savoie) Gieseker; two grandchildren: Alex and Lucas Zywica; three step-grandchildren: Arlo and Ames Ladner, Eleanor Savoie and one that is due to arrive in January; as well as many nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Betty Cheshareck and Michael White.

Per his wishes cremation rites are being accorded.

Memorials may be made as gifts in Bill's memory to the Nature Conservancy.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Bill's memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Morris, Illinois. (815-942-0700)