William Joseph Lamke

William Joseph 'Bill' Lamke, 60, of Tamaroa, passed away at 3:50 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

Bill had worked in the underground telecommunication industry. He was of the Catholic faith. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bill enjoyed fishing, pinochle, golf, softball, gardening and camping. He loved working with his farm animals.

He was born July 15, 1954 at Mt. Vernon, Ill., the son of Anselm and Alberta (Gajewski) Lamke.

He married Georgia Hale and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Tamaroa, five children - William 'B.J.' Lamke Jr. and wife Tracy of Opdyke, Ill., Aaron Lamke and wife Brittany of McSherrystown, Pa., Mallary Brodbeck and husband Mitchell of Tamaroa, Kelsey Lamke of Tamaroa and James Lamke of Tamaroa, his father - Anselm Lamke of Scheller, Ill., his mother - Alberta Newborn of Du Quoin, four siblings - Jim Lamke of Scheller, Ill., Janice Bedar and Rocket of Du Quoin, Connie Ridgeway and Keith of Scheller, Ill. and Ben Newborn and Leslie of Scheller, Ill., nine grandchildren - Alec, Haley, Brittany, Melody, Kylan, Kamden, Amia, Blake and Cash and his beloved dog - Stagger.

He was preceded in death by his step father - Robert Newborn, both of his maternal and paternal grandparents, his granddaughter - Keyuana, Uncle Hank, his niece - Jill, nephew - Cody, niece - Gretchen and his cousin - Gene Wyciskalla.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at the Terry Deering Center at Du Bois, Ill. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.