- Date Of Birth: August 8, 1949
- Date Of Death: July 18, 2014
- State: Illinois
William “Butch” Claudnic, 64, of Oglesby died July 18, at Illinois Valley Community Hospital.
Butch was born on August 8, 1949, in LaSalle to William and Ann (Minarcik) Claudnic. He was a 1967 graduate of LaSalle-Peru Township High School, and attended IVCC. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Butch married Bonnie Rodighiero, on July 11, 1981, in Oglesby. He was a member and past Exalted Ruler of the Oglesby Elks Lodge, a past Commander of the Oglesby American Legion, and a member of the Vermillion Sportsman’s Club. Butch was a warm, adventurous soul who loved the outdoors and the people around him. He served honorably in the Vietnam war, and toured the country on his motorcycle. He enjoyed hunting for mushrooms and squirrels, fishing, shooting, and gardening. He cultivated good humor and high spirits wherever he went: cheering for the Packers or Yankees at the tavern, cooking fish or tacos at the Legion, or making sausage for his family and friends. His stories could seem a bit far-fetched, but always seemed relevant and made you laugh. Even is there wasn’t a smile on his face, he was smiling with his eyes and passing it on to you.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, one daughter, Katie Claudnic, of Chicago, and one son, Phillip Claudnic, of Chicago, one sister, Georgia (Michael) Dooley, of rural Oglesby, and one step-brother, Evan Batty, of Chicago. He was preceded in death, by his mother Ann Batty, his father, William Claudnic, and his step-father Ralph Batty.
