William “Bill” Depew was born September 11, 1921 in Madison, WI, to Marshall and Frances, nee Levenick, Depew. He passed away Friday, December 2, 2005 at his home. Bill was born and raised in Madison, attending Wisconsin High School, where he played center on the football team. During his senior year, they won their conference championship. He went on to the University of Wisconsin, graduated with a BS in electrical engineering. At UW he was in the Reserve Officer Training Corps and received a commission as second Lieutenant upon graduation. He was assigned to the Signal Corps as a radio specialist and was sent to Europe, landing on Omaha Beach 30 days after D Day. He received 5 battle stars while advancing through France, Belgium and Germany. The French he studied in school came in handy during his one and a half years in France and French speaking Belgium, where he had dealings with regard to radio operations and friendships with the local people. After returning to the States, Bill went to work for the Cutler Hammer Co. based in Milwaukee, an electrical control equipment manufacturer. He started in the Development and Engineering Depts. and then transferred to the Sales Dept. and was assigned to the Chicago Sales Office. Bill Depew is survived by children, Nancy (James) DePadro, James W. and Catherine Depew; three grandchildren, Brian James (Tricia) DePadro, Richard Anthony DePadro and William Edward Hart; as well as his sister Jean McKenzie. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frances, whom he moved to Arlington Heights with in 1955 and his parents Marshall Depew and Frances Clarke. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. In state at church from 10:30 a.m. until time of service. Burial will immediately follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, 410 S. Hager, Barrington, IL 60010. Funeral information and condolences, www.GlueckertFH.com or 847-253-0168
