William Paul Roberts

William Roberts

William Roberts, age 83, of Mokena, Illinois, passed away on August 12, 2026.

Bill was the beloved husband of Pat Roberts, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Their story began 60 years ago when Bill and Patricia met at a dance, that chance meeting on the dance floor became the beginning of a lifetime together, a 58-year marriage, a family they were incredibly proud of, and a history filled with children, grandchildren, a great-grandchild, travels, traditions, and countless memories.

Bill was the loving father of Deena (James) Martineck and Christopher (Laura) Roberts; proud grandfather of Nickolas (Emily) Martineck, Melissa Martineck, and Amanda Martineck; and cherished great-grandfather of Cole Martineck.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Stephanie (nee Zutua) Roberts.

A proud veteran, Bill honorably served his country in the United States Army. His service remained an important source of pride throughout his life. Following his military service, Bill enjoyed a long career with Illinois Bell, from which he later retired.

Bill was incredibly intelligent and possessed a remarkable mind, particularly when it came to numbers. He had an uncanny ability to remember numbers that most people would immediately forget. Account numbers, phone numbers, dates, and countless other details seemed to stay permanently filed away in his memory, ready whenever they were needed. His family could always count on Bill to remember the number, know the detail, or somehow have the answer.

Above all else, Bill was devoted to his family. His children and grandchildren were the center of his world, and he rarely missed an opportunity to support them. Whether sitting in the stands at a sporting event or watching from home through a livestream, Bill made sure he was there. His grandchildren were truly one of his greatest joys and always a priority in his life.

Bill also appreciated life's simple pleasures. He loved Nutter Butter cookies and was always willing to share them with his grandchildren and great grandson. And then there was his coffee. Bill loved his coffee hot, preferably at a temperature somewhere just short of nuclear.

He had a tremendous love for animals and took wonderful care of his pets throughout his life. His beloved dog, Abby, held an especially important place in his heart and was a faithful companion.

An avid golfer and talented fisherman, Bill loved being outdoors. Camping and fishing brought him great happiness, as did traveling and seeing the world. Bill and Pat created countless memories together traveling by cruise ship and RV, enjoying adventures both near and far.

Bill will be remembered as a proud veteran, an incredibly intelligent man, a devoted husband, and a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He showed his love by being present. He supported the people he loved, cared deeply for his animals, enjoyed a good adventure, and never stopped taking an interest in the lives of his family.

And through all of the stories that made up Bill's 83 years, perhaps the most important began very simply: a young man went to a dance, saw Pat, and fell in love. Sixty years later, the family and life they created together remain the greatest testament to where that first dance led.

Services for Bill will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bill's memory to Cache Creek Rescue, the organization that rescued his cherished companion, Abby. For the past 12 years, Abby brought Bill tremendous love, companionship, and joy and was a very special part of his life. She remains a cherished member of the family and a lasting reminder of the love they shared. In Bill's honor, the family hopes that supporting Cache Creek Rescue will help another deserving animal find the same love, companionship, and forever home that Abby found 12 years ago with Bill.

Please visit HERE for further information on Cache Creek