William "Bill" R. Sikes

This story is long because it is so painful to see it end. My husband, Bill (William R. Sikes), answered Last Call at 11:37 a.m. Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 at home.  Our friend Char and I each held a hand and  talked to him.  His transition was much like his personality-calm and steady.

Bradley, Illinois was his hometown, but his stint as a U.S. Marine took him to Korea.  The ceasefire, the 38th parallel and Bill all coincided. Great timing. Being one of the few, the proud, the Marines was very important to him. In return, the VA provided him with everything he needed in these last three years of medical mayhem.  If you have any negative words about the VA, don't voice them around me.

In  2021, Bill suffered a stroke, and although recovery was steady, other issues arose.  (Yes, we knew he was 90.  At what age will you decline.)  The two stays at local "rehab" facilities broke down his reserves.  Both places should be ashamed of themselves and the general medical community should be doubly ashamed of allowing the abuse to continue and for ignoring our repeated calls for help.     

After trying marriage a few times, Bill married me in 1982.  Finally got it right!

His work history included Roper Bradley in Illinois and Van's Wholesale Florist here in South Bend.  Although treated poorly by management, he stayed for 22 years, finally retiring at 72.  I was already at Van's and he joined me after the owners of Ropers took the cash and went South. Together we came up with many scathingly brilliant ideas for the company.  They were happy to benefit from our labor, but forgot to say thanks.  We loved the work, the challenge and the customers.

Bill's pastimes included fishing tournaments with the Kankakee Valley Bassmasters.  Later on he formed a great love and respect for Notre Dame women's basketball, missing only two games in 18 years--darn snow!  The neighborhood men even took him to a game when he was in a wheelchair. The two of us started doing antique shows, loving especially our spot at Antiques on the Bluff in St. Joe.  So many friends and a few idiots. (Yes, we have to pay rent.)

His last moments of life were witnessed by Nurse Holly from Caring Cove Hospice.  We were just signing on, yet she stayed quietly in the background and took care of all the necessary steps with graceful efficiency.  God Bless her.

Bill was cremated and his un-pulverized bones will be sent to Northern Michigan University forensic anthropology school.  This might seem oogy, but it is an important contribution.  When the school opens the box, they will first find an unscathed ND women's basketball shirt.  A fan to the end!!!

Bill mended his relationship with his son Kim (in Illinois), which smoothed a hurt. We live in the best neighborhood in South Bend.  (Hopefully the stupidity of adding a car wash to a quiet residential area won't be fatal.) The adults and children are warm, compassionate, caring people who are quick to help each other.  No way could we have been on this journey without their love and support. In addition to our terrific neighbors, I would like to give special accolades to Linda, Ellen, Meghan, Angela, Andrew and Becky who gave Bill and I every help we needed.  Halos for all.

      And now,

     Good night Love

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