William M. “Bill” Morkes, 90, of Crystal Lake, of Morkes Chocolates Co.

William M. “Bill” Morkes, 90, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully Oct. 2, 2012, at Pepper Family Hospice in Barrington, surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb. 9, 1922, in Chicago to William and Helen Morkes.

Bill was loved by many, and is survived by his children William (Kathleen) Morkes III, Wayne (Joanne) Morkes, Linda (John) Schaber, Laura (David) Davis, Debra Heatherly, Sandra DePaul, and Rhonda (Mark) Dehn, 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, his sister Helean Ray and his brother-in-law Charles (Candy) Kristufek.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Elaine (1997).

Bill was a faithful Christian who loved his Catholic faith and was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Crystal Lake. His kindness and humor touched all who met him.

Bill served in the Army Air Force during World War II, completing 39 missions on a B-17 bomber named “The Able Mable.” After the war, he married Elaine on Feb. 17, 1945, at Epiphany Catholic Church in Chicago, and went to work in the candy store his father started in 1920 – Morkes Chocolates.

His legacy continues today through the business under the direction of his daughter, Rhonda. In his retirement, Bill loved spending time with his family.

Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Route 176, Crystal Lake. The Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, where there will be visitation from 9:15am until the time of the Mass.

Burial in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine, will follow the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010.