Funeral services will be Monday, April 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, Mendota with Rev. Ken Gibson officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be Sunday April 3, 2022 from 1-4 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota and one hour prior to services.

William "Bill" or "Wilbur" was born November 14, 1951 in LaSalle to George and Shirley (Peterlin) Vasilopolis. He grew up in Oglesby and attended LP High School with the class of 1969. On October 10, 1974 he married Linda Mathesius and they had two children Brian and Michelle.

Soon after he began a 40 year career with J&L Steel, LTV Steel, ISG Steel and Mittal Steel working in water treatment, the galva line and quality control. He was a member of Steelworkers Union. After the Mill closed, Bill drove the Cherry School Bus until he fully retired. Bill was also a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Oglesby Elks Lodge and now the Mendota Elks Lodge. He volunteered for the Mendota Fire Department for 25 years. His favorite activity was attending sports and other events of his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. Bill was an organ donor.

Bill is survived by his wife Linda of Mendota; son Brian Basil of Mendota; daughter Michelle Hartford of LaMoille; four grandchildren Madison (Austin) O'Sadnick, Chase Billhorn, Reis Hartford and Carsyn Hartford; brother Dennis (Tracy) Basil of Oglesby; brother in law Jerry Bima of Oglesby; aunt Jackie Peterlin of Oglesby and uncle Gary (Lana) Peterlin of Oglesby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Georgia Bima and two brothers George "Ronald" Basil and Daniel "Buba" Basil.

Memorials may be directed to Mendota Fire and Ambulance, Mendota Lions Club or a favorite animal shelter of the donor's choice.