William D. Pollock

Racine – William Thomas Pollock, 61, passed away at his residence on Monday, October 31, 2011.  He was born in Harrisonville, MO, on December 9, 1949, son of the late William D. Pollock and Norma Dean (nee: Crick) Pollock.  He was united in marriage to Debra L. Shaffer on April 7, 1973 in Griffith, IN.

Bill graduated from Griffith High School in Griffith, IN, in 1968.  He faithfully served his country with the United States Navy in Vietnam.  Bill was a member of the American Legion while living in Highland, IN. Bill was a long time employee of Praxair, as a cryogenics technician, and more recently with First Call Heating & Cooling in Racine. He was a history buff, loved to talk politics, and was an avid collector of firearms.  Bill was a supporter of the IMUS Ranch in Ribera, New Mexico for children with cancer.  Bill was a very giving & generous man, often helping others, even strangers.  He loved the ocean and wildlife of all kinds.   Bill was, above all, a fun and loving man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.  He was in no truer sense of the word, a family man, and looked forward to vacationing with his children and grandchildren in their favorite house in Panama City Beach, FL.  In accordance with his wishes, Bills ashes will be spread in the ocean near his favorite family vacation destination.  Bill was a treasured part of his family’s lives and will be forever deeply missed, leaving a hole in the hearts of the ones who loved him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Debra Pollock of Racine; children, Jennifer (Robert) Feuker of Sturtevant, Julie (Joel) Venn of Racine, Susan (Bradley Friend) Conley of Union Grove, Steven (Melissa) Pollock of Racine; grandchildren, Caleb Niesen, Caryn Niesen, Brittni Feuker, Baylea Feuker, Julia Venn, Katlyn Pieske-Venn, Morgan Venn, Lauren Venn, Ava, Chase Conley, Payton Conley, Tyler Arndt,  (Bills’ name sake in life) William Charles Thomas Pollock; sisters, Gina Girton of Highland, IN, Vicki (John) Wachadlo of Cedar Lake, IN; brothers-in-law, Allan Shaffer of Griffith, IN, Kenneth Shaffer of Holiday, FL; sister-in-law, Lori Huynh-Porter of Crown Point, IN; and other relatives too numerous to mention.  In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brother, James Pollock, and grandson, Kaden Pollock.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 4, 2011, at 7pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, with Rev. Tony Larsen officiating.  Full Military Honors will take place following the service.  Visitation will be from 5pm until the time of the service.  The family has suggested memorials to the IMUS Ranch or the Alzheimer’s Association.