William F. Durkin

William Francis Durkin

A lifelong resident of Waukegan, Bill passed away on March 13, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was a month shy of his 96th birthday.

Bill was born on April 25, 1929 to Alice and Edward Durkin.

Bill attended Immaculate Conception grade school and Waukegan Township High School. In his youth, Bill was an avid swimmer at the YMCA, and won the YMCA Illinois State Swim Championship. He attended Notre Dame University and remained a devoted Notre Dame football fan.

After serving his country in the Korean War, Bill returned home to become partner with his father Edward and brother Patrick in Durkin & Durkin, a men’s clothing store in Waukegan, Fox Lake and Wisconsin. This family business served the community for 75 years until 1980.

Bill later served three terms as Waukegan City Clerk from 1981 – 1993. He was then elected Mayor of Waukegan and served two terms, from 1993-2001.

On November 8, 1952, at St. Anastasia Church he married the love of his life, Virginia (Ginger) Kelly. He and Ginger were married for 70 beautiful years.

Bill loved to garden, play bridge with lifelong friends, cheer his beloved Chicago Bears, host family parties and play Santa Claus to children throughout Lake County for over 70 years. Bill was one of the last remaining members of the Waukegan Pool Peers. He was a member of St. Anastasia Church and Glen Flora Country Club.

Bill was a kind, gentle person who loved to make people laugh. He lived a long and faith filled life. He rejoiced in the accomplishments of his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ginger.

He is survived by daughters Mary Ellen (Don) Vanderventer, Carol (Steve) Wolf, Joan (Steve) Westphal, son Bill (Jen); grandson Jack (Emily) Westphal and granddaughter Kimberly Westphal, great-grandsons Vaughn and August. He will be missed by all the nieces and nephews who loved to listen to his Irish jokes and marvel at the magic penny trick.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anastasia Church, 624 Douglas Ave., Waukegan Illinois on Tuesday March 18 at 11am. Visitation will be one hour prior at 10am, at the church.

Our family would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the entire staff at Allure Nursing Home for their continued kindness and compassion. Special thanks to Dr Thomas Woike.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a glass of Early Times and ginger ale. Cheers! Or even better, savor a piece of chocolate. Bill’s favorite!