William F. “Bill” Bogard, 79, of Monmouth, died at 5:40 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2021, at home with family by his side.

He was born August 21, 1941, in Galesburg, the son of Elbert and Helen F. (Anderson) Bogard.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Pamela Eaves of Monmouth; a son, James R. (Raya) Bogard of Oak Park; and grandson, Easton Bogard.  Bill also had a special relationship with Pamela’s children and grandchildren including Morgan Eaves, Macy Eaves, their father Donnie Eaves, as well as Sylvia Stone and her father Todd Eaves.  Both of Bill’s parents preceded him in death.

Bill’s earlier employment included time at Gale Marine - OMC, Admiral Division of Maytag and Gates Rubber Company.  He began nearly a 30-year career at Bixby Zimmer Engineering Company in 1974 and worked as a salesman, draftsman, and engineer before retiring in 2003.  In retirement, he helped his son on numerous real estate developments and projects in the Chicagoland area.  Being a small-town guy spending time in Chicagoland generated a number of entertaining stories for many of his friends.  

He was a 1959 graduate of Galesburg High School, and remained active with his class, helping to plan reunions, and create artwork or illustrate some of the class publications.  He and his parents were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg.  Bill will especially be remembered as a car enthusiast and a guy that could generally do just about anything with his hands.  He could usually be found working on, or tinkering with, his classic cars, helping other guys out with their hot rods, and attending car shows with his favorite friends.  When travel allowed, he was more than happy to catch one of his grandson’s soccer games as he held him in a special place in his heart.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.  Due to guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and facemasks will be required with limited occupancy.  Cremation will be accorded following the visitation with burial with his parents in Linwood Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to Illinois Cancer Care.