Billy G. Goessman

Billy G. Goessman, 86, passed away at 8:35am on Friday, November 8, 2013, at his residence. He was born on January 4, 1927, in Ina, Illinois the son of the late Gale and Pearl (Clinton) Goessman. He married the former Lorene Quertermous on December 10, 1949, in Waukegan, Illinois and she survives. Other survivors include one daughter and son in law: Cheryl and Bob Maguire of Wood River, one son and daughter in law: Max and Marsha Goessman of Alton, two grandchildren: Lauren Maguire, Lenon Maguire and his wife: Angie, one great granddaughter: Darcy Maguire, and one sister: Joyce Jones of Mcleansboro, Illinois. A graduate of East Alton Wood River High School, he played on the football team and basketball team for Chick Summers. He was an Illinois State Trooper for 25 years where he retired as a Sergeant. He was of the Protestant faith. He was a lifetime member of the Wood River VFW Post #2859 and a long time member of the Wood River Moose Lodge #1349. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in the 93rd Bomb Squadron in the South Pacific during World War II. Bill was a well rounded, well liked man who grew up and enjoyed spending his life in the East Alton and Wood River area. It was how he lived his life everyday life, that spoke volumes of the quality of his character. He turned down promotions with the Illinois State Police, rather than transfer and leave his hometown. As a teenager, he worked after school in his parents grocery store in East Alton. As a young adult, he built tanks at Amoco refinery before becoming a police officer. In his retirement years, he was a ranger at Belk Park Golf Course. He still enjoyed watching Illinois basketball, was an avid reader of books and faithful patron of the Wood River Library. Despite his gruff bravado, his golfing and hunting buddies, poker pals, grandkids, nephews, great - granddaughter, neighbor kids and those who knew him best saw his softer side. Many a teenager were touched by his kindness, when stopped for speeding, went away with a warning , stern lecture and a phone call home to their parents. Bill was proud of his family and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible. The family enjoyed listening to his stories and recollections such as, playing in a winning exhibition basketball game against the Harlem Globetrotters, being on a softball team of GI's in the South Pacific and his anecdotes about his job like when he was assigned to guard numerous governors during state farm time. He was known as a man of utmost honesty and integrity and was well respected in his field. He used his expertise to teach classes at the Illinois State Police Headquarters and Belleville Area College Police Academy. He was truly proud to be included in the numbers of Greatest Generation. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother: Jack Goessman. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Private services will be held. Memorials are suggested to the Wood River Library Foundation.