William Determan

William A. “Bill” Determan, 92, of Wood River, Illinois passed away at 3:25 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2014 at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born August 28, 1922 in Alhambra, a son of the late Raymond Frederick and Cora (Mindrup) Determan. He married Ruth Maxine (Caldwell) Determan on August 22, 1948 in St. Louis and she survives. He was a devoted High School teacher for over 25 years teaching in Jerseyville, Bethalto and Collinsville. He retired in 1982 from Collinsville High School as a guidance counselor. The United States Navy veteran proudly served his country during World War II and had served on the U.S.S. Conklin. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bethalto and the V.F.W. and American Legion in Wood River. He and his wife enjoyed their years of traveling and square dancing and were members of the Rings Hoe Downers. Bill was an enthusiast of history, always knowledgeable of current and past news events. He enjoyed his days of camping and fishing. He loved writing and kept many journals of his life. He loved his dogs and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends. In addition to his beloved wife of 66 years, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, David and Sue Determan of Wood River; daughter-in-law, Pamela Determan of Wood River; four grandchildren and spouses, Jay Kemp, Jill and Chris Rosecrans, Dax Determan, Edgar and Sara Determan and Dennis Determan; four great grandchildren, Jesse Kemp, Pearl Determan, Daisy Determan and Dax Wolfgang Determan; a sister, Ramona Determan of Wood River; a brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Alice Determan of Irving, Texas; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patricia and Donald Palubiak of St. Louis; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and many special friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Douglas and Dennis Determan. In celebration of his life, memorial visitation will be at Pitchford Funeral Home, 2555 Vaughn Road in Wood River on Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. until time of memorial service at 5:00 p.m. with Reverend Charles West officiating. Military honors will be accorded. Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice and may be accepted at the funeral home