William “Bill” Carr Gossett, 89, of Wheaton IL, formerly of Roseville, IL, passed away on March 4, 2024, at Glen Oaks Hospital in Glendale Heights, IL. He was born May 12, 1934, in Monmouth, IL, the son of Carlton “Tony” and Mary Robson Gossett.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy Monroe Gossett , his high school sweetheart whom he married on January 30, 1955. He is also survived by his children: Ann (David) Gatewood, Mooresville, NC; Mark (Lee Ann) Gossett, Naperville, IL; and three grandchildren: Carlton Gossett, Palo Alto, CA; Emily Gossett, Miami, FL; and Sarah Willis, Huntsville, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elizabeth (Ted) Kalb, Lebanon, PA, and brother George (Barb) Robson Gossett, Roseville, IL.
After graduating from Roseville High School in 1952, he attended the University of Illinois, where he was a member and President of the Illi Del Chapter of Alpha Gamma Sigma, participated in the ROTC program, and graduated with a BS degree in Agricultural Economics. He also earned his Master of Science Degree in 1957, was a member of Alpha Zeta, and later served as a U of I College of Agriculture Alumni Director.
After graduation, Bill and Nancy served their country in the US Air Force, being stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, the Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE, and Nouasseur Air Force Base in Morocco, North Africa. Bill retired from active duty as a Captain from the Air Force in 1961 and earned the rank of Major in the Air Force Reserves. He returned to Roseville to farm the land that had been in his family for generations and raise livestock. He used his accounting skills to assist others with farm management taxes through the U of I Western Illinois Farm Bureau Farm Management, and later earned a license to sell real estate.
Bill was very active in his community and enjoyed volunteering as a member and officer in several
organizations. He was a 60-year member of the local Lions Club, served as Adjutant for the American Legion Post 614, participated in the Roseville Investment Club, and was the Swan Township Supervisor. He also served on the Board of Roseville State Bank / Citizens National Bank for 23 years. He was involved in the Univ of Illinois ACES (Agriculture Consumer and Environmental Sciences) Jonathan Baldwin Turner program and enjoyed funding and awarding scholarships to deserving young people in the field of agriculture.
Bill was a member of the Roseville Christian Church, where he served his entire adult life as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, running the sound system for worship, and being on the building committee. Some of his hobbies included being an avid reader, collecting model tractors, cheering for the Chicago Cubs, studying the history of the Civil War and World War II, and restoring the 1940 Hudson which his grandfather had purchased from the Roseville Motor Co.
Bill will be remembered by his family and friends for his sense of humor and quick wit, his intelligence and generosity, and his love for his hometown of Roseville that he carried with him even in his last days. Even though he was generally a quiet, thoughtful man, he never shied away from lending his wisdom and leadership skills in whatever civic responsibility was needed. He was a servant to the community, volunteering to help wherever he could, and touching many lives.
Services commemorating Bill’s life will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 3 pm at the Roseville Christian Church. A time of visitation with the family will be held from 1 to 3 pm prior to the services. Interment will be in the Roseville Township Cemetery following the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Roseville Lions Club or the American Legion Post 614. Moore Memorial Home, Roseville, is handling the arrangements.
