William C "Bill" Duhs

With great sadness, we announce that Bill Duhs lost his long and courageous battle with cancer. Please join us as we honor Bill’s life and his memory on September 20th, 5:00 PM at Mt. Hawley Community Church, 6900 N Mt. Hawley Rd, Peoria Il Born in Peoria on January 18, 1957 to parents James Sterling and Lorraine (Frances Roberts Holmes) Duhs, Bill found eternal peace on Monday, Sept 4, 2023. In his final years, Bill’s determination to embrace every possible moment on this earth with gratitude and grit was an inspiration to everyone around him. He passed into God’s kingdom at peace, holding hands with his lifelong “buddy”, playmate and confidant, Steve McMahill – friends since childhood. Especially throughout these last few years, Bill was a force to be reckoned with – determined to enjoy his family & friendships, social outings, and life’s simple pleasures every day. Whether it was going to the races, tooling around town in his power chair with “lil Dude” on his lap, or spending a leisurely afternoon of fishing or tossing bean bags - he squeezed out every ounce of appreciation for life’s gifts. For his last outing, given the option to go wherever he wanted, he asked to watch the sunset at the campground where he spent much of the last few years. It was a particularly beautiful sunset that the Lord delivered that evening – one could watch him absorb the beauty of it, completely enveloped in peace and serenity that night. Professionally, Bill spent 40+ years as Peoria’s best “pool man”, being THE ‘go-to guy’ in the area’s swimming pool community. But his real talent and passion were in Christmas decorating and tree trimming, where he would spend the entire year scouting out new & creative ideas for his 30-40 annual commercial and residential holiday clients. He loved being able to “leave some Christmas spirit” everywhere he went. Ever-feisty, and always ready to crack wise, Bill embodied the notion of true grit – and we are all richer for having had him in our lives. Bill is Survived by the light of his life, Daughter, Terra Duhs of Bartonville; Grandchildren Alissa Klausing, the “twins” Cody & Katelyn Smith; Great Grandchildren Aliyah and Fernando III Sandoval and numerous nieces & nephews. Also surviving are Sisters Bonnie (Phil) Merriman of East Peoria, Linda (Bob) Monari of Mapleton,Christine (Andrew) Baner, of Michigan; Brothers Bobby (Lisa) Duhs, Trivoli and Jim Duhs, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jessie Hunter and sister Mary Williams. He also leaves behind his equally feisty constant companion “The Dude” - a 7 lb Chihuahua with 50 lbs of attitude and a ton of love and devotion to Bill. Bill would often say that they rescued each other. Bill’s family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to both Steve McMahill and life partner Stephanie Greanias for their limitless & unconditional love and care-giving throughout Bill’s illness. Please join all of us on September 20th at 5pm, Mt Hawley Community Church as we honor and celebrate Bill’s life. May his Memory be Eternal.

William C "Bill" Duhs

January 18, 1957 - September 4, 2023