William Ormond Tellkamp of Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away on February 12, 2019. He was born in Decatur, Illinois on April 16, 1927 to Ralph and Helen Tellkamp. William’s passion throughout life was roller skating, a sport he actively participated in through his early 80’s.
As a child and teenager, growing up during The Great Depression, he won numerous competitions. He and his partner once qualified for the national dance skating championships. In 1945, at the age of 18, William joined the United States Navy.
He served on the USS Bunker Hill during the waning days of WWII. After the War Bill attended Bradley University in Peoria. He also took classes at Illinois State University and the University of Illinois.
Always an outstanding student, he majored in English and History. Bill then purchased the Mackinaw Dells Roller Skating Rink outside of Goodfield, Illinois. In addition to managing his business, during the 1956 and 1957 school years Bill was the 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher at Roanoke-Benson grade school.
During his time at the “Dells”, Bill taught and coached skating, effectively mentoring numerous young people in the process. He stayed in close touch with a number of them throughout the remainder of his life. One of those he coached, Adolph Wacker, won numerous state, regional and national championships.
He later founded a chain of roller rinks headquartered in Rockford, Illinois. While at the Dells Bill met Edna Reeser. They were married on April 23rd, 1955.
Their union remained strong and loving for nearly 64 years. William eventually closed his skating rink. He subsequently took a position in Peoria as a liaison between the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and what is now the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
In 1970, Bill accepted a promotion to manage the agency’s office in La Salle, Illinois. A position he held until transferring to the Peoria Regional Office in 1985. He retired in 1991, and with his wife Edna moved to Punta Gorda, Florida.
In retirement, Bill and his wife Edna regularly attended Mass and other events at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda. Both were members of the choir; Bill was a tenor. As a consequence of the damage Hurricane Charlie inflicted upon Sacred Heart’s facilities, Bill and Edna became members of Saint Therese in North Fort Myers.
During his time with the Illinois Department of Employment Security in La Salle, William went above and beyond the responsibilities of his position to help those without work find a job. He was on a first name basis with the owners and managers of nearly every local employer. Per his insistence, so too were relevant members of his staff.
It was common for Bill to call on companies personally when trying to find a job for someone truly in need. He would do so even if they had no openings. Bill oftentimes loaned his car to job seekers so they could reach interviews out of town.
From time to time he even went so far as to help applicants purchase clothing for their interviews. Many who were truly desperate, with young families to care for, found jobs, sometimes their first jobs, in this manner. William Ormond Tellkamp selflessly helped others, and worked hard to be the best father, husband and community member he could be.
He was truly loved and respected by many. He will be missed. Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents.
He is survived by his wife Edna (Reeser); two sons, Mark and Jon; his sisters, Peggy (Kasper), Mary Alice (Moore), Carol (Zimmerman); and numerous nephews and nieces. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guestbook. Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.
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