William K. Dressen, 84

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William (Bill) Kenneth Dressen, 84, died on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020, after battling cancer, at his home with his wife and son, Dan, by his side.

A private family burial will be held at a later date with the Macon County Honor Guard providing military funeral rites.

Mr. Dressen was born on Feb. 11, 1936, in Litchfield, to Harry and Dora Dressen. He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1954. Mr. Dressen served in the U.S. Army from Sept. 1954 through Sept. 1956. He was a certified Atomic Veteran in the Nevada Desert. At the end of his service he returned to Litchfield. 

In October 1956, while attending a football game with friends, he was introduced to his future bride, Carol Kraus. They married in Nov. 1957, at the Mt. Zion English Lutheran Church in Litchfield and relocated to Decatur in 1963. Mr. Dressen worked for Caterpillar, Freeman Coal Mine and Wabash Railroad. He ended his career as an locomotive engineer with Norfolk and Southern Railroad, a job that he loved dearly.

Mr. Dressen belonged to the American Legion Post #105, in Decatur, for over 45 years. He cooked on Thursday and Friday nights, and spent many hours volunteering in the kitchen and at the legion in any capacity needed.

Mr. Dressen’s favorite pastime was golf. He loved spending time with friends and enjoyed golfing at many different courses throughout the years. Mr. Dressen especially enjoyed Scovill Golf Course in Decatur where he recorded a hole in one. He  enjoyed sporting events and loved cheering for the Chicago Bears and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. He will be greatly missed by all of his friends, family, and fellow Legion members.

Mr. Dressen is survived by his wife Carol; sons Kenneth (fiancé Alyce), Edward (Patty), James (Michelle) and Daniel; daughter, Kathryn (Harold); brother, Robert; 13 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary, Clementine and Grace; brother, Harry; and infant daughter Tamra Lynn.

Memorials may be made to American Legion Post 105 Building Fund or the Macon County Honor Guard, 1535 Legion Drive, Decatur, Illinois 62521.