William A. Durdan

William A. Durdan, 85 of Grand Ridge passed away Wednesday morning (October 4, 2023) at his home surrounded by his family.

A visitation will be held Sunday from 3 – 6PM with a prayer service at 6PM at the Grand Ridge Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Fields Church, Grand Ridge. Burial will be in the St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Streator.

Bill was born on May 3, 1938, in Streator to Steve and Edna (Kuhn) Durdan. He married Phyllis Mish on September 1, 1962. She survives.

Also surviving are sons, Andrew W. (Maria) Durdan of Utica, William J. Durdan of Marseilles, daughter Amy Y. (Dan) Thomas of Deer Park, 5 grandchildren; Nolan (Beth) Durdan, Margaret (Davis Dahlberg) Durdan and Ashlyn, Emma and Jacob Thomas, a great grandchild due in February of 2024, brother Robert (Cheryl) Durdan of Grand Ridge, sister-in-law Brenda Corcoran of Bloomington, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Mary and Lyle Nichols, brother and sister-in-law James and Marilyn Durdan.

Bill graduated from Marquette High School in 1956. He played Minor League Baseball from 1957 – 1959 for the Washington Senators. He was inducted into the John Pocivacek Hall of Fame for his professional baseball career, and also as a member of the undefeated 1954 Marquette football team. Bill was inducted into the Old Timers Baseball Hall of fame in 2002. He and friends founded the Marquette Go Club which is still going strong today. Bill was a lifetime member and caretaker of the St. Mary of the Fields Church, he served in the US Army, was the Grand Rapids Township Supervisor for 20 years, Ottawa Knights of Columbus 4th degree, and a member of the Ottawa American Legion. He was a GE Plastics retiree.

Bill built his life from the ground up as a lifelong farmer, his life revolved around his love for his family, faith, friends, and farm. He built and developed the pond for a place to gather with family and friends. He never knew a stranger or passed up a good time. His clever wit and joyful, sometimes mischievous humor will be greatly missed.

Words cannot express our appreciation to Pat Duffield for all her support.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Marquette Academy or the Grand Ridge Fire Department.