William E. Dooley

Bill entered life in Madison, WI on June 1st, 1947, the son of Raymond Dooley and Lavina Murray Dooley. He entered eternal life on February 6th, 2024.  Bill grew up on a farm near Janesville, WI which gave him a love of nature with a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.

Bill attended St. Pat’s and St. Williams School in Janesville and graduated from Beloit Catholic High School in 1965. He then attended UW Stevens Point, Black Hawk Tech, and UW Stout graduating in1970 with a degree in industrial technology, specializing in mechanical engineering. His mechanical drawings were works of art, a skill which would be handy later. 

While in college, Bill trained in Tae Kwon Do Karate. Attaining his 1st degree black belt.  He then ran the Janesville Karate School until 1973 when he joined the Whitewater WI Police Department.  He worked there until moving to Harvard IL and joining the Harvard Police Department.  He resumed karate training, attaining a 3rd degree black belt while teaching karate once again.    

While teaching karate in Janesville, Bill met the love of his life, Rosann Laukant. They were married on December 15, 1973, and were blessed with three children, William Joseph, Ryan William, and Aindrea Danielle. Bill deeply loved his family, and they enjoyed many fun family vacations with their own children and extended family.

Pursuing a career in law enforcement, Bill was instrumental in forming the Fraternal Order of Police in Harvard IL and was its first president.  He joined Mc Henry County Sheriff’s Department in 1980. Bill loved being a law enforcement officer and received many honors during his lengthy career. He retired in 2011 from the criminal investigation unit, the evidence section.

Bill was a very active member of First Presbyterian Church of Harvard IL serving on many committees, as a deacon for two terms and as an elder.  Sometimes on his own and then with his wife, Rosann, he made nursing home and home visits, and volunteered at the Harvard Food Pantry.  Bill had a strong faith always appreciating how good God was to him.  He lived out Jesus’ new commandment; “Love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”  John 13: 34-35.  

Bill is survived by his wife, Rosann; son Ryan and daughter Aindrea (Josh) Gerber; granddaughters Danielle and Madison Gerber; sister Mary Ellen Staller, many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his infant son, William and his parents, Raymond and Lavina Dooley; mother-in-law, Ruth Ryder; brothers-in-law, Gerald “Jerry” Staller, and Robert Laukant. 

In the Wizard of Oz, the Wizard says, “A heart is shown not by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others”. You are well loved, Bill, and will be missed dearly.

A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, February 17 from 10 AM to 12 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Harvard. A service will follow with Pastor Claire Brennecka presiding. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill’s honor can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 7100 Harvard Hills Road, Harvard, IL 60033.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net

For more information, please call Saunders & McFarlin (815) 943-5400.

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