William John McDonough Jr.

William (Will) John McDonough, 79, of Lake Villa, Illinois passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, after a long illness.

Born on August 31, 1946, in Waukegan, IL, to Bill and Phyllis McDonough. Will grew up in Long Lake, Illinois. He attended school at St. Joseph Catholic School in Round Lake, Illinois through eighth grade and graduated from Marmion Military Academy in 1964.

In 1965, he enlisted voluntarily to serve his country as a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War. He honorably and patriotically served 13 months in Khe Sanh and returned in August 1967, thankfully being spared the terrors of the Tet Offensive which ravaged Khe Sanh a short 4 months later.

After completing his military service, he obtained his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1972.

He married Debra Niemi on May 25,1984 and together they shared 44 years, 41 in marriage. What started as a friendship, helping each other through their respective turbulent life chapters at the time, began a shared commitment to helping each other through all the joys and sorrows that followed. Together they welcomed and cherished two sons, Ben and Alex.

Will was a big fan of the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks and Cubs. Even better than those, he took great joy in watching his sons and their athletic endeavors while growing up. He never passed up an opportunity to quietly remind his wife where their athletic skills had come from. It is certain that when Theo and Noah take their turns at the plate someday, there will be an angel in the outfield cheering them on.

He loved music. He may have listened to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon more than anyone in history. Yet he had eclectic tastes. He was open to everything. He even listened to Ben intently trying to teach us about the merits of Tupac. He escorted beloved Aunt Cookie to see Celine Dion. He guided brothers Ed and Kevin along Abbey Road only to lull them to sleep with the epic song stylings of Engelbert Humperdinck. Music and family rooted Will’s “happy place.”

He had a strong "DIY" spirit that was part MacGyver and part MacGruber, yet always willing and able to figure out how to fix almost anything around the house or car. Occasionally he un-fixed it, but he never said no to trying to help anyone.

Will was a unique soul with a cheeky sense of humor. He loved to laugh, especially when surrounded by his beloved siblings, sharing memories of Bill, Phyllis, Pappy and “the Pink House” on Long Lake. He was a natural at malapropism. He embodied the McDonough Family philosophy of don’t worry, be happy. Yep, even when he lit leaves around the trunk of the apple tree on fire with brother Pat still in it. Or when he tried unsuccessfully to protect Pat and himself from their mother’s wrath to hide a broken collarbone he’d received during another one of their misguided adventures. He was “busted” when he couldn’t lift his fork to his mouth. There are too many more escapades to mention.

As Will and Pat were each other’s first playmates, they almost literally grew together. Born only 15 months apart, they were bonded like twins throughout Will’s life. They were each other’s touchstones.

He loved all his siblings unconditionally. Ask any one of them if they ever got out of the driveway in under an hour when Will walked them to their car after visiting! He didn’t reach out often, but whenever they were together, he didn’t want to see them go.

With that in mind, a beautiful prayer provided by brother, Pat:

Lord, we thank You for the time we shared with our brother Will and for the blessing of his life. We ask for Your gentle comfort to ease our pain and bring peace to our hearts. May he find eternal happiness in Your presence, and may we find strength in Your promises. Help us to cherish his memory and hold onto hope. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Will is survived by his wife, Debi, and their two children: Alex McDonough of Round Lake, IL and Ben (Brandy) McDonough of Grayslake, IL, and two grandsons Theo and Noah McDonough. He is also survived by his daughter, Aisha along with his most loved and loving siblings, Pat McDonough of MO, Mike (Patty) McDonough of AL, Lucy McDonough Fox of IL, Mary McDonough Grote of IL, Kevin (Rhonda) McDonough of ID, Edie McDonough (Jim) Lazar of IL, Ed (Laura) McDonough of WI, Dorothy McDonough (Bob) Bray of IL, and Phyllis McDonough Gutierrez of WI, along with his many much loved nieces and nephews who gave him so much joy.

In accordance with his wishes there will be no funeral. He carried with him the love he was given during his life and only asks those of us left behind to remember the joy and laughter we shared.

The family wishes to thank the VA, especially Drs. Jadwiga Kuczynska and Joshua Williams, for their wonderful care at Lovell FHCC North Chicago. Elevate Care, VCare hospice, and to a very special angel, Samantha Muench, who brought nothing but joy to Will when she visited us to help Debi with respite, home health care in 2023.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Will by extending kindness to someone in need, and especially to veterans and their families.