William F. Hackett, age 84, a longtime resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024.  He was born July 14, 1939, in Rochelle, IL to Karl and Vera Hackett.

Bill grew up in Rochelle and went on to graduate with a degree in Economics and Business Administration from Cornell College in 1961.  He then enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Lieutenant based in Germany for three years, where he served as Executive Officer for two Companies, a Battalion Supply Officer, a Detachment Commander, and a Personnel Officer for a MASH Unit.

In 1970, he married Joanne Raddatz in Rochelle.  Bill worked for Sears, Roebuck and Company for over 25 years, eventually working in the Sears Tower as a distribution manager.

He was very active in the Wheaton community.  He was an active member of Gary United Methodist Church, where he served as a Chairperson of the Church Staff-Parish Committee. He served as President of the Wheaton Kiwanis Club, where he was active for many years.  He managed successful campaigns for Wheaton Mayor, City Council and School Board, and served on various Wheaton boards, commissions and committees. He also helped to establish and wrote By-laws for Wheaton Cares.  Bill was a member and Past-officer of various Masonic Organizations.

He was generous and passionate about many causes, including the Morton Arboretum, Gary Church, Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Shriner Hospitals, St Jude, The Elephant Sanctuary, The National Park Foundation, among others.

Bill enjoyed nature, walking the trails at the Arboretum, and summer vacations in Eagle River, Wisconsin.  He also enjoyed music and many concerts at Wheaton College.  He had many dogs throughout the years, who were part of the family.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol (Darin) Henneike of Bourbonnais, IL; and three grandsons, Justin, Jared and Joshua.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Joanne and his parents.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at Lawn Ridge Cemetery in Rochelle, IL.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.