William “Bill” Franklin Bretz III, 88, a lifelong resident of Springfield, IL, passed away on October 17, 2025. Bill was born on May 30, 1937, in Urbana, IL, to William Franklin Bretz II and Lois Evelyn (Scheffler) Bretz.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and many aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his cousin, Robert Bretz of Lexington, SC; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces; and dear friends, Tom & Karen Kuhn, and Sharon Kuhn Johnson.
Bill was a graduate of Lanphier High School, class of 1955, and continued his education at Springfield Junior College and Illinois College in Jacksonville. He earned his Master’s in History from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. He also proudly served as Chief Page for the United States Senate in 1959.
Bill had a passion for teaching and learning about history, in particular United States History and the British Monarchy. He dedicated his career to teaching as a history teacher for District 186 at Lanphier High School and Franklin Middle School. When he arrived at Lanphier, he took it by storm in 1964 with his boyish looks, perfect haircut and three-piece suit. It didn’t hurt that he drove a white 1964 Corvette Stingray Coupe either! He kept in contact with many former students after retirement, exchanging cards/letters and forming lifelong friendships.
In his free time, Bill enjoyed collecting antiques and finding various interesting items at auctions, especially at Patty Doyle Auction House. Some of his favorite antiques included Royal Doulton collections, Persian rugs, Asian art, and antique furniture. He naturally enjoyed reading, listening to classical music, watching classic films and touring the Smithsonian Institute.
Bill was a faithful and dedicated Roman Catholic where he enjoyed attending Mass at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Christ the King.
He loved all animals, especially his dogs, Bengy and Sara, who passed away years ago.
He remained active as of two years ago, cruising around town in his Mercedes S-Class. However, after a series of falls, he sustained head injuries and developed dementia.
Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor, generous spirit, impeccable mannerisms, dapper attire, and as a man who gave much and asked for little in return.
Visitation: 10:00 am – 10:30 am, Friday, October 24, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home - Springfield.
Funeral Service: 10:30 am, Friday, October 24, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield. A burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League.
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