William Ambrose "Bill" DeBoeuf, 94, passed away Thursday, December 23 ^rd at his residence in Washington, IL.

He was born on December 15, 1927 in St. Francisville, IL to Ambrose Louis and Flossie (Howerton) DeBoeuf. He was the 4 ^th of 8 children. He married Grace Earlene Shoup on May 15, 1948 in Vincennes, IN.  They were married for 51 years before her death in 1999.

He is survived by his 4 children: Brenda Ahrens of Ballwin, MO, Jan (Jeff) DeBoeuf-Borders, Judi DeBoeuf-Tomlinson and Jeff (Gina) DeBoeuf all of Washington, IL.  He is also survived by 8 grandchildren:  Brett (Tamara) Ahrens, Christopher (Ginny) Ahrens, Blake (Gerilyn) Ahrens, Holly (Scott) Haegele, Zach (Colby) Borders, Jordan (Nick) Loyd, Gabe Tomlinson and Kyle DeBoeuf.  He is further survived by 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bill grew up on the family farm in St. Francisville, IL where he learned the value of hard work.  After graduating from high school, he came to Peoria, IL with his brother Bud to work at Caterpillar.  He worked at the Proving Grounds and was then promoted to sales and demonstration for the Central Division.  His career at Caterpillar spanned 42 years.  After his retirement he worked as a consultant for Caterpillar's legal department as an expert witness.

He served on the financial council of his church and was a past member of the Washington Civic Club.  He enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Wisconsin and loved working in his yard.  Above all, he was a very proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Bill was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Washington, IL where a Private Mass will be held.  Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery.  Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Washington Villas of Holly Brook and Transitions Hospice for the wonderful care Bill received.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Transitions Hospice or his church.