Willard "Bill" Charles McCloud

Willard “Bill” Charles McCloud, 90, of Buda, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Liberty Village in Princeton, IL.

Bill was born on April 27, 1936, in Bureau Township, IL, the son of Hubert and Isabelle (Schandelmeier) McCloud. He graduated from Bureau Township High School in 1955. Bill served in the United States National Guard from 1959 to 1962. Following his military service, he began working for Steel Harberg, then Hyster Company in Kewanee, where he remained until his retirement.

Bill married Mary S. Hackwith on May 9, 1998, at Mautino State Fish and Wildlife Area in Buda. She preceded him in death on January 19, 2020.

Flying Piper airplanes out of the Princeton airport was one of his favorite hobbies. He enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews up for a ride, often trying to scare them with whatever moves in the air he chose.

Bill enjoyed fishing and all wildlife adventures. You could find him fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. He would take drives up to Wisconsin along the river until he found his favorite apple spot, then return home with apples that he kindly gave away to family and friends.

Making homemade horseradish from his garden was one of his favorite activities in the kitchen.

He is survived by two sisters, Alice May of Rock Island and Ruth Pioterek of Princeton; one brother-in-law, Roger Nielsen of Sheffield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings and their spouses, Velma (Walter) Bingaman, John (Gaynelle) McCloud, and Charlotte Nielsen; and brothers-in-law, Gene May and Ron Pioterek.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Hopeland Cemetery in Buda, with Pastor Terry Lancaster officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded, and the cremated remains will be interred at Hopeland Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Hopeland Cemetery Association.