Search by Name

Search by Name

William Stamper Obituary

William (Bill) J. Stamper who lived in Western Springs, IL and Goodyear, AZ passed away at 72 on November 16 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill is survived by his spouse of 50 years Pat (Thompson), his son James (Jennifer) of Centennial, CO and daughter Kelly (Michael) Hurliman of Western Springs as well as 6 grandchildren, Emery, Alison, Marin and Danny Stamper, and Jack and Matthew Hurliman. He was predeceased by his mother, Annie (Wuich) Stamper. He was the brother-in-law of Barbara and James Kurth and Lisa Thompson, the uncle of many nieces and nephews and had numerous cousins.

Bill graduated from St. Joseph High School in Westchester, IL. He received a B.S. in Marketing and a M.S in Business Education from Northern Illinois University. He was a Business Education teacher at Morton High School in Berwyn, IL for 34 years. He especially enjoyed teaching Business Law and Marketing. But his true passion at Morton was coaching soccer. After an outstanding coaching career at Morton East, Bill started a successful boys program at Morton West where he had a 62% winning record including 12 Regional Championships, 4 Conference Championships, 4 Sectional Championships, and 3 appearances in the State Finals. He also coached the Girls Varsity team for 8 years and the Boys Varsity program at Lyons Township for 2 years. Bill was involved with the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association where he was an officer for 4 years including a term as President. They awarded his team the Miro Rys Regional Sportsmanship Award in 2001 and he was voted the Regional Coach of the Year five times. Upon his retirement in 2004, he was proudly inducted into the IHSSCA Hall of Fame. In his retirement Bill refereed all levels of boys and girls high school soccer.

Bill's other passions were the Chicago Cubs and his beloved Wrigley Field. In 2015 he was hired to be a Wrigley Field Tour Guide. He was on staff when they won the World Series in 2016 and was thrilled to receive a World Series ring.

Later in life playing pickleball became a huge passion. Whether he was playing on Chicago's Lakefront, in sunny Arizona in the winter months or in Western Springs where he had recently moved, Bill was a serious competitor while thoroughly enjoying the game.

We want to sincerely thank his wonderful family and his many close friends for all their love and support during his illness. Per Bill's wishes, there will be a "Celebration of Life" instead of a traditional service to be held during the day on December 18th in Hinsdale, IL. We cordially invite all who would like to attend to send an email to [email protected] for details including COVID protocols. We look forward to celebrating Bill's wonderful life together with you. In lieu of flowers to honor Bill, a donation to Cara Collective where both Bill and Pat volunteered would be greatly appreciated. www.caracollective.org/donate.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 18, 2021.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for William Stamper

Not sure what to say?





Condolences still. I cannot believe it has been one year already. Mr. Stamper walked into our first class of Business with such a furious look on his face, telling everyone alright now sit down and be quiet. He then paused and stared at each of us one which took a full minute. He took another long pause then went into a Bugs Bunny sounding voice. He never commanded authority he simply earned that respect from day one. For anyone who had him teach as the first class of your day: what a great way to start your day off!

Brian Burknap

November 12, 2022

I just want to express my deepest condolences for the loss of Mr. Stamper. He was my teacher at Morton west and coached me in soccer from 1996 - 1999. He helped the girl's soccer team get off the ground after it's initial club period, from getting us old boys uniforms to wear, to finding us teams to play against and fields to play at. When I think back (now that I'm an adult), he and the other coaches really gave so much for us girls and I am very appreciative of that. I was in a car accident in 97 and he came to my house to visit me and make sure I was OK, my parents and I appreciated that so much. Again I just want to express my condolences to his family and friends. May the beautiful memories comfort you.

Holly Newcomb (Regalado)

School

February 15, 2022

Bill was my soccer coach at Morton East in 72 and 73. He didn't know alot about the game back then but he had a great bunch of kids that enjoyed playing for him and we never lost a game during the 72 season. My deepest condolences go out to the Stamper family.

Ed Taroli

School

January 2, 2022

My heart goes out to you Pat!
You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love you and know I´m here !

Barbara Buenik

Work

December 20, 2021

I was on Bill's 1980 Morton West soccer team. He was an amazing coach. I was most-improved athlete of the year. I remember him giving me the award, especially since I was so surprised. The eerie part about this is that I haven't thought about Bill for many years, I was reminiscing with my wife and spoke about Bill and his impact on my life. And then I googled him and found out his memorial service was TODAY!! A great man for his impact on so many youth, including me. Condolences to all who loved him.

Jonathan Yordy

December 18, 2021

Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Stamper. Business Law/ Marketing teacher at Morton West High School. Great teacher and fun class! 30 years later, we still talk about those classes.

Thanks " Stamps"!!

Jeff Burgos

School

December 18, 2021

Bill will be sorely missed by his friends in PebbleCreek. Kevin, Jim and myself will have many memories of Bill as we all played golf, pickleball, softball, and golf together. The best times were when we met as a small group, usually in my garage to discuss and solve all the problems in the world today. I can´t recall one time in our get togethers that Bill didn´t bring up his beloved Cubs. Bill was a encyclopedia of trivia when it came to the Cubs. Good friend, you will be deeply missed!

Charlie Hunt

December 14, 2021

BILL AND I SHARED A CLASSROOM AT DIFFERENT HOURS OF EACH DAY. HE WAS A GREAT DEDICATED TEACHER. I WILL NOT FORGET HIM. HE GAVE HIS TOTAL EFFORT IN HIS ENDEAVORS.

JUDY AND TONY VAIS

Work

December 12, 2021

My condolences to Bill's family. He was a wonderful man, an outstanding coach, and a peerless contributor to the high school soccer community. His passing is a loss for us all.

Tim Dailey

Friend

November 21, 2021

Franklin Avenue was truly a magical place to raise our children & The Stamper family was an integral part of it all. So proud to call Bill a friend. Our sincere sympathy to Pat, Jim, Kelly & family. Love is stronger than sorrow & lasts forever. May you find comfort in your memories & the love surrounding you.

Mary & Bill Thonn

November 21, 2021

I remember taking a business class at Morton West and Mr. Stampers asked us our definition of "success." Most students who raised their hands talked about expensive houses, cars, high paying jobs, prestigious job titles, and the like. Bill shared his definition of success with us which he characterized by being able to do a job that you love (he obviously did) having your health, having the time and resources to pursue your interests / hobbies, and most importantly having the love and as support of family and friends. That was his definition of success. I have shared that story with my own children as well as many other people over the years including the students I now teach. I´m certain I am not the only one who carried that story with them.

Scott Hunter

School

November 20, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Stamper (Stamps) family. He was a great teacher.

Jennifer Nallen (Orwat)

November 19, 2021

I only knew Stamps for a couple of years. It wasn't that long ago that Bill, Kevin, Charlie and I were golfing, riding bikes and sitting in Charlie's garage talking sports. What a wonderful and funny guy. I'm going to miss him as I'm sure we all will. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family and friends. Pat' I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest well Cub Fan.

jim scherer

Friend

November 19, 2021

He was one of my favorite teachers at Morton West in 1987-1988. His sense of humor always made his business classes enjoyable. My condolences to his family and friends.

Brian Burknap

School

November 19, 2021

"Stamps" was the best teacher I've ever had. Great teacher, motivator and guy. Funny as hell. Anyone who had the privilege of taking Marketing or Business Law learned a lot and were molded for success. Disappointed I was not able to touch base with him all these years. A true leader of young men and women.

My sincere condolences to the Stamper Family. He will be greatly missed.

RIP Stamps.

"The Z-Force"
Gary Zahara '88

Gary Zahara

School

November 19, 2021

Deepest condolences to Pat, Jimmy, Kelly and all the family - happy memories from Franklin Avenue.
RIP, Bill.

Jim, Linda Burke and family

November 19, 2021

My condolences to the family. I don't remember many teachers but I def remember Mr Stamper! He always brought enthusiasm and I learned a lot from him. I connected with his sense of humor! RIP

Pasquale Giampietro

School

November 18, 2021

So very sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. Please Receive our condolences for a dear colleague and a beloved coach and teacher for Mario. Our thoughts are with you during this time. RIP

Onofria & Mario Perricone

School

November 18, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Cupertino and Daisy Enriquez

School

November 18, 2021

Pat
I am so very sorry to hear about Bill´s passing.
I had no idea that he was ill. He was a very loving person.
I think of both of you every time I pass the Foxford Staion building. My prayers are with both of you..
May God´s grace carry you through your grief.
Love, Virginia Gannon

Virginia Gannon

Friend

November 18, 2021

Bill was a positive and fun person on and off the pickleball courts in western springs. He made the game fun and always a gentle man. Playing Pickleball is where i met Bill and his wife Pat, and when he informed us as a group of his illness and was positive to try and beat it. His journey has taken him many places as posted in his obituary which of some we knew thru talking with him. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends and many prayers and love spread thru all.

Debbie Razo

Friend

November 18, 2021

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in William Stamper's name

Memorial Events
for William Stamper

Dec

18

Celebration of Life

Hinsdale, IL

How to support William's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor William Stamper's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more