William Shinn |
| Posted 2009-12-13 by Sharla |
| The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, December 9, 2009, page B-5 William Shinn, 87, of Rockford, Ill., and Wickenburg, Ariz., died Friday, Dec. 4. Bill was born Nov. 16, 1922, in Springfield, Ill., the son of John and Mary (Morrissey) Shinn. Bill spent his early working years as a surveyor in Texas, coming back to Rockford in 1941 to work at Gunite Foundries. He joined the U.S. Navy submarine service in 1944, serving in the Pacific Theater as a torpedo man aboard the USS Archer-Fish. After he was honorably discharged in 1946, he returned to his job in the foundry at Gunite, spending five years in various occupations. He made the transition into management, serving in many roles including general foreman, industrial engineer, production engineer, sales engineer, and director of sales and engineering. Bill was named president of Gunite in 1960 shortly before its acquisition by Kelsey-Hayes. In 1972, Bill left Gunite to work for the Pritzker family in Chicago as a group vice president of the Marmon Group and director of the Altamil Corporation. In 1978, Bill rejoined the Kelsey-Hayes Company as president and general manager of Gunite, later being appointed president of the Heavy Duty Components Group. Bill retired from Kelsey-Hayes in 1986. Bill was an active member of the University Club, Rockford Country Club, Los Caballeros County Club, Kepotah Sportsman Club, a member of the American Foundry Society since 1947, a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, and a Board of Governors member of the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg. He had a lifelong passion for golf, skiing, shooting and all things Western, and a lifelong dislike of football referees. He was predeceased by his three brothers Chuck, John, and Tom; and his son Brad. He is survived by his wife Shirlie; son Jeff (Shelley); stepsons Rich (Sue) Crooks and Doug Crooks; and grandchildren Stacey and Stephanie Shinn, and Steve Crooks. An open house will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday (Dec. 11) in Rockford Country Club, 2500 Oxford, Rockford, IL 61103. Bill will be buried with military honors in a private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ducks Unlimited, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, Tennessee 38120, are appreciated. Arrangements are by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd. See Also: Find A Grave |
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