North Shore Obituary: William James Littell, 104

The following obituary is courtesy of Donnellan Family Funeral Services.

William James Littell, age 104, died peacefully on November 17, 2015 at Presbyterian Homes, Evanston, IL where he had lived for 24 years. Will had deep roots in the Chicagoland area. He was born in Ravenswood Hospital, graduated from Lake View High School, and earned a business degree from The University of Illinois. He spent his entire professional life, beginning as a teenager, in the family business. The company, F.J. Littell Machine Co. started by his father F.J. Littell in 1918, still operates today in Schaumburg IL and is a leader in scroll sheeting systems and automated material handling. While the company was family owned, it operated on Ravenswood Ave. in Chicago. For many years, he was Vice President and ran the business with two of his brothers Fred and Ed Littell.

He married Esther Krausman on May 16, 1936 and they were married for 63 years. For 50 years, they lived in Park Ridge raising their five children, Sue Koehrsen, the late Jim Littell , Marcia Morgan, Kim Ainsworth, and David Littell. Will was also proud of his 11 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

He was a passionate member of First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge for 70 years. He will be missed for his kindness, gentle nature, and his unending support of his family, business associates, and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015, 4:00 p.m. at Presbyterian Home Elliott Chapel, 3131 Simpson St. (Golf Rd.) Evanston, Illinois 60201.

Interment private Ridgewood Cemetery, 9900 North Milwaukee Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Scholarship, c/o Geneva Foundation, 3200 Grant St., Evanston, IL 60201 or Avenues to Independence, 515 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068 or First United Methodist Church, 418 West Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068.

Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Saturday December 12, 2015, 4:00 PM at Presbyterian Home Elliott Chapel, 3131 Simpson Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201
Click for Map and Directions

INTERMENT IS PRIVATE

Ridgewood Cemetery, 9900 North Milwaukee Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016
Click for Map and Directions