William Martin Munson

William Martin Munson, 85, died peacefully in his home on April 7^th, 2023

Bill was born on May 23^rd, 1937 to the parents of Harold and Edna (Andersen) Munson. He was born and raised in Joliet.

 He married Diane Kay Schurch on April 21, 1968. They always celebrated their anniversary twice a year, once on the actual day and the first Sunday after Easter on the biblical calendar. He is survived by his wife, Diane, daughter Angela Hillier of Knoxville, and a son Michael Munson of Knoxville. He also had four living grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, Fred and Arlene Schurch, brothers-in-law, Ronald Schurch and Charles Peterson, sister Marilyn Peterson Devlon, nieces Kay (Peterson) Slaughter and Meredith Schurch, and grandson Dakota Munson, and son-in-law John Hillier.

He was an avid music lover, especially classical music. He played drums in the Joliet Township band for many years. He was a Lutheran Pastor for many years and graduated from Augustana College with a Master’s degree in theology.

He loved fire trucks, chasing fires, and James Bond movies. His favorite James Bond movie was “License To Kill”. He served on 3 volunteer fire departments including Rock City Illinois, Mount Caramel Illinois, and Knoxville Illinois. He was also a beloved fire chaplain.

He owned the Knoxville Coffee and Donut Shop for 11 years with his wife and 2 children. He also worked for the Knox County Nursing Home in maintenance for many years. He has a love for his family and Christ that would never end.

A celebration of life will be at First Church of The Open Bible on April 15, 2023 at 11 am. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers and will be divided between Knoxville Fire Protection and The First Church of The Open Bible by the family. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville have been entrusted with his services. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com