William E. Dow

William “Bill” E. Dow

William E. Dow passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at the age of 82.

A lifelong resident of Joliet, Bill attended St. Raymond’s School, where he met his best friend and future wife of 51 years, Ginny (nee Bussey). Bill went on to graduate from Joliet Township High School and Lewis University, eventually earning his MBA from Northern Illinois University. Bill taught marketing at Joliet East High School before heading to the University of St. Francis, where he was a beloved professor of marketing and management for over 26 years. He served as department chair during most of his tenure and was nominated three times for the “Who’s Who” of college professors.

Bill’s life was defined by kindness and service. He was a proud member of the Joliet Kiwanis Club and volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital for many years after his retirement. When his children were younger, he could often be found on weekends coaching basketball and softball or volunteering with Ginny at the Joliet P.A.D.S. shelter.

Above all, Bill devoted himself to his family. Known for his infinite patience and generosity, he served as caregiver to Ginny throughout her long battle with dementia. Even after she entered a nursing home, he remained by her side.

Bill was a constant and cherished presence in the lives of his daughter Jennifer and his grandsons, Frankie, Danny and JJ Iarrobino, whom he never went a week without seeing. Bill was a fixture at every sporting event – home and away games alike – and a welcome fan and source of entertainment for the parents in the stands at St. Petronille and Glenbard West. He not only helped raise his grandsons, but he served as an amazing and steadfast role model for each of them.

Bill also enjoyed golfing, fishing with his brothers, playing poker, reading about all-things WWII, messing with his grandsons’ Netflix algorithm, extolling the talents of Caitlin Clark, spoiling his (grandsons’) dog Bo Jackson, entertaining his pal Ginny Karstens with his endless stories, and enjoying a glass of chardonnay with his favorite neighbors Karen and Mike.

He is preceded in death by his wife Ginny, parents, Bob and Gerry (Daggett) Dow, brothers Bob (Diane) and Tommy, and son Bill. In addition to his daughter and grandsons, he is survived by his brother Dick (Sally). He is also the brother-in-law of the late Sharon Dow, the late Tom and Noreen Bussey, the late Walt and Mary Bussey, the late Kay (Lynn) Krause, the late Sue and Rudy Mihelich, the late Mary Ellen (Bill) Kursell, and Pat (the late Jim) Buchar. Many cousins, nieces and nephews survive.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, with a brief visitation beforehand at 10:45 a.m. in the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Cathedral of St. Raymond School or Catholic Charities.