PEKIN ~ William George Mattheessen, 68, formerly of Pekin, joined his heavenly father on February 26, 2022.

Bill was born on April 25, 1953 in Pekin to William Linland Mattheessen and Marian Ellen (Ehrlicher) Mattheessen. His parents preceded him in death.

He is survived by his brother, Robert (Paula) Mattheessen of Pekin, IL and his sister, Karen Mattheessen (Tim Bueter) of Fort Myers, FL. Bill was also uncle to Tabitha, John (Maggie), and Clara Mattheessen and great uncle to Michelle Mattheessen.

Bill graduated from Pekin Community High School in 1971. He received his Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1975 and a Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering also from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1977.

Upon graduation with his MS in Engineering, Bill was employed by Babcock and Wilcox in Ohio as a metallurgist. From there he returned to school at the University of Colorado Boulder and earned an MBA. Following his graduation Bill worked for Lockheed Martin in Louisiana as a metallurgist and a quality control engineer. Much of his work at Lockheed Martin involved work with the space shuttle program.

Bill was a member of Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Slidell, LA. He was very involved with Camp Restore New Orleans, and he helped with the Wednesday lunch program at Peace Lutheran Church. He was also involved with volunteer work with the Commemorative Air Force-Big Easy Wing, which preserves World War II era combat aircraft for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.

His graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Pastor Simeon D. Raddatz will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Camp Restore New Orleans, 9301 Chef Menteur Hwy., New Orleans, LA 70127.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com