William G. Phalen, 82, of 1709 Lucille Lane, Mendota died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Sunday morning, Oct. 18, 2015.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Peterstown with internment immediately following at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Hall. Funeral arrangements were provided by the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

Bill was born Aug. 19, 1933 in Mendota to Richard E. and Florence (Girard) Phalen. He married Sandra "Sandy" Scherger on Jan. 9, l953.

Survivors include his wife; five sons, Michael (Julie), Daniel (Terri), Douglas (Lori), Timothy (Jan) and Steven (Holly); 14 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and one sister, Elaine of Depue.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James and Richard, Jr.

Bill attended Holy Cross Elementary School (Class of 1946) and Mendota High School (Class of 1951). He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on March 13, 1953 during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the permanent rank of Staff Sergeant on March 12, 1957. He returned to Mendota, attended LPO Junior College (Class of 1959) and went to work for Mendota Building Service as their construction manager. He later changed the name and founded Phalen Steel Construction Company in March of 1962. He served as its president and CEO until his retirement in January of 1998, when his sons acquired the business. Bill was a member of the Mendota Elks and Mendota Moose Lodge and was a former member of the Kiwanis and Lions clubs.

Memorials may be directed to Sts. Peter & Paul Parish, Illinois Valley Hospice, Mendota Area Senior Services or the donor's choice.