William "Bill" M. Ebert, 96, lifelong Washington resident, passed away at 6:09pm Friday, September 9, 2022 at the Villas of Hollybrook, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born August 9, 1926 in Peoria to the late Forrest M. and Wilma Cole Ebert. He married Winifred J. Werckle on October 8, 1949 in Peoria.

Surviving is his wife, Winnie, of Washington; daughters, Elizabeth (Ray) Laughlin and Ellen (Dave) Dingledine, all of Washington; five grandchildren, Emily (Alex) Mueller, Erica Laughlin, Travis (Margaret) , Grant, and Gavin Dingledine; and four great-grandchildren.

Bill was a graduate of the University of Illinois with degrees in Civil Engineering and Naval Science. For 48 years, he was a self-employed water well contractor for M. Ebert Co., a business his grandfather Mike founded in 1888. He was active in many professional associations, including lifetime memberships with the National Groundwater Assoc. and the Illinois Assoc. of Groundwater Professionals, serving as a director for 28 years and a term as president of the latter. He received the Groundwater Science Award from FermiLab in 1995. He was also a board member and chairman of the Illinois Water Well and Pump Installation Contractors Licensing Board.

He served two years in the Navy V-12 program and was commissioned Ensign CEC USNR in 1948. He was the commanding officer of the Navy Reserve CB DIV 9-3 in Peoria for many years, then the Reserve Training Center public works officer, finally retiring as Lieutenant Commander CEC USNR in 1964. Bill's dedication to public service continued with 21 years on the United Fund Board, as a co-chair of the Washington Sesquicentennial Committee in 1975, as a member of the Central Grade School Board, 35 years as director of First National Bank (Heartland Bank), and a member of the Tazewell Co. Board of Health. Since 1952, he was a member of Washington Presbyterian Church, actively serving the church in many roles and as an Elder.

In his spare time, he enjoyed nature, being outdoors, and hunting, along with watching high school and college sports. Bill will also be remembered for his competitive bridge and pinochle playing, memorable

vacations around the world, many coffee gatherings, and his love of golf with his friends in the Kaufman Park Senior League where having fun was more important than the score.

He cherished his friendships with many and was a loving husband, father and grandpa to his family. He loved to laugh and joke, always with a twinkle in his eyes.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at noon Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Washington Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. Private inurnment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washington Presbyterian Church, Washington District Library, or a charity of the donor's choice.