William C. "Bill" Hawthorne, age 90, a longtime resident of Wheaton, IL, died Thursday, October 20, 2011, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born May 1, 1921 in Warren, OH.

Bill enlisted and served in the U.S. Army for five years. While stationed in Muskogee, OK., he met his future wife and began his career working at Morton Salt Company, until his retirement 40 years later. He had been involved with both the Kiwanis and Loyal Order of Moose organizations, and volunteered with the Henry Horner Boys Clubs. He was also an active member of the Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years. Bill was a member of Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, IL. His primary life devotion was to his wife and family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Dixie; his two daughters, Connie Northrop of Wheaton, IL, and Patricia (Russell Graziano)Hoffman of Carol Stream, IL; two grandsons, Scott (Haven) Northrop, and Matthew (Heather) Wainwright; two great-grandchildren, Marissa Northrop, and Dane Wainwright; and his nephew, Harris Smith.

He was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Heather Michelle Northrop, in 1991; his sister, Ellen Smith; and his niece, Diane Williamson.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 4-6 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, with services officiated by Rev. Jamie Geiger. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL (www.alz.org); or to Gary United Methodist Church at the above address.