POLO — Willard “Bill” L. Gilbert Jr., 84, of Polo, passed away Wednesday, March 1 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon. 

Bill was born Oct. 24, 1938, at his home in Polo, the son of Willard Sr. and Viola Gilbert. On April 18, 1987, in Rockton he married Ms. Sherri Beaman. He worked in the parts department for Case IH at Coffey Implement, Polo Equipment and Birkeys. Bill finally retired in 2017 and enjoyed serving the farm community. He liked to fish, hunt and do woodworking. Bill enjoyed collecting antiques, finding toy tractors at local sales and auctions. He belonged to the JC’s, volunteered for helping build the Polo Pool and a member of the Good Fellows American Legion. His pride and joy was his family, listening to them laugh, tell stories or telling a good joke.

Survivors include wife Sherri; daughter Cathy (Daniel) Lawton of Polo and step-daughter Nicole (Tom) Hoyle of Dixon; son Jeffrey (Gayle) Gilbert of Sterling; grandchildren Morgan (Bryan) Becker, Dr. Cort (Maria) Lawton, Shannon (Jake) Scroggins, Lauren (Nick) Vandermyde, Ryan (Elizabeth) Gilbert, Sydney (Hayden) Bittner, Savanna Hoyle, Quinten Hoyle; great-grandchildren Camden and Perri Lynn Becker, Mac and Kane Lawton, Grant and Gabrielle “Gabby” Scroggins, Emery and Jack Vandermyde, Samantha “Sami” and Caysen “Case” Gilbert, Gabriella “Gabi” and Genevieve “Evie” Bittner along with two more on the way. 

Bill was preceded in death by his Parents; sisters June Boeckh and Elaine Mount; brother Donald Gilbert.

A memorial visitation will be Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Polo Family Funeral Home, 110 E. Dixon St., Polo. Burial will be at a later date at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed in his name.

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences.