William S. Carey, 74, of Belvidere, IL died peacefully, early Saturday morning, April 1, 2006 in Maple Crest Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. Bill was born February 27, 1932 in Rockford, Illinois the son of Kenneth J. and Helen M. (Fanning) Carey. He married Irene Kronke on September 30, 1949 in Freeport, Illinois. Bill grew up in Rockford and moved to Belvidere in 1950. He worked for W.F. & John Barnes for 12 years and then for Sundstrand, White-Sundstrand, Develig Inc for 25 years retiring in 1992. Bill was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Air Force. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, American Legion Boone Post 77, and AA since Oct 15, 1968. He enjoyed bowling, golf, camping, pool and driving the bus for the Keen age Center.Survivors include his children, Debby (Michael) Keating of Belvidere, Clarice (William) Dickerson of Poplar Grove, Shaun (Judy) Yunk of Belvidere; grandchildren, Matthew (Joyce) Keating, Michelle (Rick) Lawrence, Apryl (Victor) Martinez, Mary Strang, Trent (Ginger) Smith, Shauna (Paul) Arco, Troy (Barbi) Yunk, Scott (Debbie) Yunk, Deana (Reben) Velmont, 23 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren; brother, James Carey of California; sister Geraldine Webb of New Mexico; nieces and nephews.Bill is predeceased by his wife, parents, sister, Betty Thornton; brother, Eugene Carey and great grandson, James Graves.The family wishes to acknowledge the nursing staff of Maple Crest Nursing Home and to Bill's former caretaker Tony Whitehead for the tender care that they gave to Bill.

A memorial will be established in his name.