William P. “Bill” Anderson, age 86, of Geneva, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Greenfields of Geneva, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on March 16, 1939, in Oak Park, the son of Arthur and Barbara (Jeuk) Anderson.

Bill grew up in Oak Park, Illinois, with his four siblings, Art, Jim, and Babs. As the youngest, he loved running the streets on free range, getting into innocuous mischief. He had numerous stories of getting into fights, playing in mobsters’ homes, going to a Catholic boys' school, putting snakes in his teacher's desk, and finding dead bodies in basements, which his grandchildren all loved hearing. He had fond memories of visiting PawPaw, Lake Michigan, with his family.     

Bill lived most of his adult life in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and Geneva, Illinois, with his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Judy, and four children (Bill, Tim, DeeDee, and Katie). He had a long and successful 35+ year career at the Wall Street Journal and loved sporting WSJ merchandise daily. Post-retirement, he started a company with a friend, called HIBB Personal Staffing, which he ran for several years.

Bill loved family above all else. He married Judy, the love of his life, at a very young age and successfully raised four children. Their goal was to keep the family tight, so they purchased a cabin in Wisconsin that provided a gathering spot for the entire family in later years. So many memories of family fun, booze cruises, and reunions were truly special. All ten of their adored grandchildren grew up going to the lake, making s’mores, and learning to water ski at a young age.

Bill enjoyed golfing and playing racket sports at the Geneva Golf Club with his buddies in his free time. He so looked forward to his annual “Old Pal” matches. He loved sweets and cherished his sweet rolls from his favorite bakery, Cocoa Bean. He would often bring donuts to his grandchildren, bake the Anderson family brownie recipe, and deliver fudge to his neighbors and friends around Christmas time. Judy and Bill also loved their annual cross-country ski trips with friends and several trips to Florida and Europe.

He is survived by his children Bill (Andrea) of Marco Island, Florida, Tim (Nancy) of Overland Park, Kansas, Dee Dee (Vic) Mehren of Geneva, Katie (Mike) Forsell of St. Charles; grandchildren Mary (Dakota) Welch, Samantha, Dan, Casey, and Drew Anderson, Vivi, Lily, and Ava Mehren, Lea and Siri Forsell; sister Barbara Laper of Woodridge; and many dear relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arthur and James, and wife Judith, who passed away in 2020.

A celebration of life will be held later in the year.

In place of flowers or memorials, donations can be made to the Alpha-1 Organization, (Alpha1.org), 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, Florida 33134.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva. For information 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.