William Van Helden

William “Bill” Lee Van Helden Beloved Father and Grandfather William Lee Van Helden passed away peacefully in his sleep and surrounded by his sons on Tuesday, January 24th, 2023 at the age of 90. He was born on February 19th, 1932 in Harvard, Illinois. He graduated from Rockford West High School in 1950 and enlisted in the Navy and discharged in October of 1954. He married Mary Jane Genovese on June 27th, 1953. William is survived by his children, John (Jacquelyn) Van Helden of Aurora, TX, William “Billy” Van Helden of Ozark, MO, and Viki Texiera of Houston, TX. He also has eight grandchildren, Tracy, Nicholas, Jacob, Grace, Whitney, Christian, Darren and Lauren, as well as four great-grandchildren, Peyton, Mason, Amber and Logan. William was a construction superintendent and built high rise buildings in Flint, MI and Peoria, IL. He also built some 200 homes and a university library in California, as well as a senior complex in Scottsdale, AZ. He was an usher in his church and a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his mother Elah “Betty” and his dad Al, as well as his brother Leroy and his sister Mary Margaret, along with many beloved nieces and nephews and countless friends. Visitation will take place on Monday, January 30th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Menke Funeral Home in Sun City. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 31st at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Sun City. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a church or charity of your choice.