"Bill"

Age 76 of Wilmington, Illinois, died Monday, January 12, 2026 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born December 25, 1949 in Joliet, Illinois, William Paul was a son of Raymond and Betty (Petersen) Haldorson. He was raised in Elwood, Illinois and graduated from Joliet East High School with the Class of 1968. Bill attended Joliet Junior College before being selected from military service. He served honorably in the United States Army until his honorable discharge.

Bill worked as a journeyman electrician for 50 years and was a member of the IBEW Local Union 176. He worked for many companies over the years, including Indicom Electric Company, Meade Electric Company Inc., Clennon Electric Inc., and Van Mack Electric. Bill was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bears, but especially Wilmington Wildcat Football. He enjoyed his home, keeping his yard meticulous and having the swimming pool ready at all times for family to enjoy. Bill was a man of many talents, often using his mechanical aptitude to keep his cars running great and his Harley riding smooth. He also took great pleasure in being outdoors, especially visiting Starved Rock with his wife, Maria for their anniversary every year. Bill and his wife were members of the August Hill Winery Wine Club and looked forward to the Vintage Wine Festival held annually at Matheson State Park.

Bill loved any meal that found his plate, especially those made by his wife, and had a particular fondness for chocolate and loved to make his signature brownies. Family was what was most important to him, and he was always his children's biggest fan. Bill would always have the video recorder ready for their games and activities and was one of the loudest fans in the stands. He was a great husband, father, and a grandfather, who worked hard to support his family and make sure they had better than he did. Bill will be missed dearly by those who loved and knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Testa-Haldorson of Wilmington; five children: Lyndsay (Caito Cerisola) Haldorson of Los Angeles, California, Adam Haldorson of Wilmington, Amanda Haldorson of Bradley, Illinois, Laura (Daniel) Haldorson-Moreno of Cobden, Illinois, and Matthew Haldorson of Wilmington; as well as two granddaughters; one sister: Kathy (the late Don) Boyer of Morris, Illinois; mother-in-law: Sharlene Maxey; one sister-in-law, Patricia Haldorson of Plainfield, Illinois, and two brothers-in-law: Mike (Tracy) Maxey of Minooka, Illinois and Dave Maxey; and many cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Kathy (Maxey) Haldorson; brother: Lee Haldorson; mother and father-in-law, Muriel and William Testa, and father-in-law, Bill Maxey; and his beloved canine companion, Tigger.

The family will receive friends for visitation at First United Methodist Church, 401 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Harriette Cross will officiate, and cremation rites will follow the funeral service.

Family and friends will gather at Baskerville Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. for funeral procession at 12:30 p.m. Inurnment with Full Military Honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 1:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Bill's memory to the family for distribution to charities of their choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book or share Bill’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)