William “Bill” A. Hunziker, Jr., 60, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at his home in DeSoto, Illinois, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, friendship, and memories that will be carried by the many people fortunate enough to have known him.

Bill was born on August 23, 1966, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to William Sr. and Mary Lou (Sickler) Hunziker. He worked as an electrician and maintenance man at Prysmian in Du Quoin and was a member of the Teamsters Union. But a job title could never begin to describe who Bill was to the people who knew and loved him.

Known by many as a gentle giant, Bill had a presence you couldn’t miss and a heart even bigger. He loved life, loved deeply, and was a hugger through and through. If you knew Bill, chances are you were on the receiving end of one of those big hugs. His warmth and generous spirit had a way of making people feel welcomed, cared for, and like they belonged.

At the center of Bill’s world was Verna Webb, the love of his life. Their life together was filled with love, companionship, and countless memories. There was never any question how much she meant to him. Bill was incredibly proud of his two children, Brynnah Hunziker and Tyler (Bri) Hunziker, who serves in the U.S. Navy, and his five grandchildren: Maddux May, Kamden May, Journii May, Tyler Gage Hunziker, Jr., and Ava Acousta. Being a dad and papa brought Bill tremendous joy, and his family was one of the greatest blessings of his life. His love for them was steady, strong, and unmistakable. Bill also shared an incredibly special bond with his mom, Mary Lou Hunziker. No matter how old he got, Bill was always her boy. They talked nearly every day, sharing everything from ordinary moments to the important ones. It was from his mom that Bill inherited his love of gardening, a passion that became a meaningful part of his life. Their close relationship was something he treasured deeply.

Bill is also survived by his sisters, Synda (John) Taylor of Carterville and Lisa Hunziker of Pomona, and his nephew, Sean Taylor. He was preceded in death by his father, William Hunziker, Sr.

And then there was Mylah G, his beloved dog and, as the family lovingly knew, the second love of his life. Mylah was far more than a pet—she was Bill’s sidekick and faithful adventure companion. If Bill was headed outside, chances were Mylah was going too.Together they spent countless hours tracking deer, fishing, riding the tractor, and cruising around in the side-by-side or four-wheeler. Whether they were headed off on an adventure or simply enjoying the outdoors, Mylah was happiest by Bill’s side—and Bill was pretty happy to have her there, too. The bond between the two of them was something special.

The outdoors was where Bill truly felt at home. If he had his choice, you could probably find him with a fishing pole in his hand. Fishing came first, with deer hunting a close second. Some of his favorite hunting memories were made alongside his mom and dad, his son, and his sister. For Bill, the time together, the stories told, and the memories made in the woods meant every bit as much as the hunt itself. Whether he was fishing, hunting, tending his garden, or simply enjoying the peace of nature, Bill appreciated the simple pleasures of being outside.

Bill was also a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, a love he shared with his family. Through the wins, the losses, and everything in between, he remained a loyal member of Steeler Nation. Steelers football was more than just a team to cheer for—it was something to share, talk about, and enjoy together. Black and gold ran deep for Bill, and Sundays during football season just weren’t the same without cheering on his Steelers. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Bill was a talented cook who loved being the chef. Whether he was cooking for family, friends, or a crowd, feeding people was another way he showed his love.

Perhaps one of the most special things about Bill was just how many people he claimed as his own. He became a dad and father figure to so many of his work buddies, always ready with advice, encouragement, a helping hand, or one of those famous hugs. To Bill, family was never limited to blood. If he loved you, you knew it.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, good food, fishing stories, hunting memories, time spent outdoors, big hugs, and an enormous amount of love. His laughter, his stories, his generous spirit, and the way he made people feel will be deeply missed. He was our gentle giant, our outdoorsman, our chef, our partner, our son, our brother, our dad, our papa, our friend, our father figure, and Mylah’s favorite adventure buddy. His hugs were big, his heart was bigger, and the space he leaves behind is immeasurable.

Graveside funeral services for Bill will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Hunziker Family Cemetery, 8533 Hickory Ridge Road, Murphysboro, Illinois (by the greenhouse), with Rev. James Easton officiating. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery. In honor of Bill, please skip the formal attire and come dressed in something that reminds you of him— Pittsburgh Steelers gear, St. Louis Cardinals gear, or camouflage. It seems only fitting to honor a man who was always most comfortable simply being himself.

A Celebration of Life will also be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at The Vet’s in Dowell. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Bill the way he would have wanted—sharing stories, memories, laughter, and remembering a life that meant so much to so many.

Memorials may be made to the Murphysboro High School Bass Fishing Team and mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.