William "Bill" Ross Sturm

William “Bill” Ross Sturm, 85, of Geneseo, passed away at OSF – Saint Francis Hospital, Peoria, IL, on Monday, September 22, 2025.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Reverend Terry Lancaster will officiate.  Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery, rural Atkinson, IL.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home before the service, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Henry County Humane Society – Geneseo, 14606 Roos Hill Road, Geneseo, IL, 61254.

William was born September 15, 1940, the son of Orville and Dorothy (Dawson) Sturm, in Geneseo, IL.  He graduated from Geneseo High School, class of 1958, and went on to attend college at Humbolt Institute – Minnesota.  On September 17, 1961, Bill married Margaret Armstrong in a service held at Geneseo Presbyterian Church, Geneseo, IL.  He was employed over the years by Continental Airlines (O’Hare Airport) in ground operations and at Hanford Insurance. 

Bill enjoyed spending his time camping, dancing, traveling, and especially spending time with family and friends.  He was a member of the Iowa and Wisconsin Polka Clubs.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Margaret Sturm; children, Debbie (Mike) Rogodzinski of Pound, WI, and Eric (Lori) Sturm of Eagle, WI; grandchildren, Deana (Jeff) Risner, Michael (Briana) Rogodzinski, Brady Sturm, and Jackie (Tyler) Mason; five great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Lynn Sturm.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Dorothy Sturm; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Rogodzinski; and brother, Richard Sturm.