William "Willi" J. Noel

William J. “Willi” Noel, 63, of Port Byron, IL, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023, at home in Port Byron.

Services will be 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 8,  at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline, where visitation will be two hours prior to services at the funeral home. In accordance with his wishes, those attending are asked to wear their favorite sports apparel. Memorials may be made to the family.

William was born May 8, 1959, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Gordon and Gisela Dewald Noel. After graduating United Township High School in 1977, he went on to A.S.U. for 1 year, then to Black Hawk College. Following college he worked for the Dispatch newspaper, Barjan, and then Harbison Walker Refractories for 19 years, until he retired for health reasons.

He was an avid sports fan, especially of all Chicago teams. He also loved going to concerts. He shared those memories with his niece and nephew because he had no children of his own. The love of his life was his beloved pet dog “Schatzi” who was with him until the end.

He is survived by his sister, Katharina (Kenneth) Watts; niece, Angelika (Edward) Newberry; nephew, Eric Watts; great nieces, Elizabeth (Zane), Alexis and Leah; great nephews, Gordon (Jessica), Nickolas, Andrew, Brandon, Charlie, Draven, and Corbin; great-great-nephew, Owen; special friends, Bob Coutteau and Marc Nelson; and other family.

William was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Online condolences may be left for the family at vanhoe.com

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