William “Bill” C. LaFollette, age 82, died at 11 P.M. on February 3, 2020, at his home in rural Williamsfield, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on January 16, 1938, in Peoria County and grew up in rural Williamsfield. He was the son of Clarence and Hazel (Plumb) LaFollette who departed before him as well as a brother Carl LaFollette. Bill married Mary Jane McNaught on December 13, 1958, at the Williamsfield Methodist Church. They had been married for 61 years. Mary Jane survives as does a son, Randal William LaFollette (Cheryl), granddaughter Kelly Larkin (Bill), great-grandchildren Joshua, Ayden, and Olivia, grandson Nathan LaFollette (Katie), great-grandchildren Timothy and Brailey LaFollette, granddaughter Jessica Glasnovich (Jake), great-grandchildren Hailey and Henry Glasnovich. Son, Rick LaFollette (Susan), grandchildren Kristen and Logan LaFollette. Daughter, Raelene LaFollette, grandchildren Jason LaFollette and Marissa Rundle (Corey), great-grandchildren Cameron Hasten, Brylee, Adilynn, Mason and Avery Rundle and Brother, Richard “Dick” LaFollette. He graduated from Williamsfield High School in 1956. He was a perfectionist and took great pride in the work that he did. He worked for Operating Engineers Local 649 for approximately 20 years as a heavy equipment operator. He was a Truro Township Highway Commissioner from 1977 to 2008. His nickname was “Commish”. After retiring, he continued to work with his son Rick LaFollette, passing on his knowledge and expertise in bulldozing and excavating. Some of Bill’s hobbies were spending time with his family, fishing and mushrooming. He was an avid collector of antique fans and other antique electrical appliances and was a member of the Antique Fan Collector’s Association. He was always trying to make someone smile with a twinkle in his eye and the Bill LaFollette grin, you knew he always was up to something ornery.
A private burial will take place at Williamsfield Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, February 10 at the Williamsfield American Legion. Chaplin Jordan Knight will officiate. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rux Funeral Home in Williamsfield is in charge of arrangements. This obituary may be viewed and private condolences left at www.ruxfuneralhome.com.
