ROCKFORD, Ill. - William Matthew “Bill” Kellner, age 86, of Rockford, Ill., died peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at UW Hospital Madison, after a second round of tongue cancer. He was born on Sept. 24, 1937, in Algona, Iowa, the son of Vincent and Geneva (Bowman) Kellner.

Bill attended Adams High School in Adams, Minn. He met Betty (Redmer) Kellner during salmon snagging season, in 1980 and they were married on Feb. 20, 1993, in Las Vegas, Nev. He worked as a mill operator at Kent Feed, Inc., in Rockford, Ill, retiring in 1996 after 25 years (23 years were of perfect attendance). Bill was a member of the Rockford Area Teamster’s Association.

He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 392 in Rockford. He was skilled in electrical, plumbing and architecture and as a side job he remodeled and flipped houses.

Bill’s blue eyes and Cheshire grin gave him away when he was joking around. Once people met Bill, they felt like they had known him their entire life. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

William is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Marshall Kellner, Mitchell (Linda) Kellner, Melinda “Mindy” (Billy Joe) Turner and Darrell (Blynda) Kellner; sisters, Janice (William) Niesler, Christine (Gary) Barth and Emma Jean (Gary) Lint; brothers, Robert (Lorraine) Kellner and Paul Kellner; and grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Geneva Kellner; stepmother, Christine Kellner; sisters, Barb (Mark) Berhard and Lorraine Frasher; and brothers, Dean Kellner, Larry Kellner, Francis Kellner and Vincent (Butch) Kellner.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

A special thank you to good friends, Terry and Debbie Kuhlman, Jean Simpson and Joe Andrews.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

William M. Kellner

September 24, 1937 - May 09, 2024

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