It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William C. "Bill" Kleiss of Tuscola, who passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the age of 81.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 22, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm with funeral services following, at the First Baptist Church of Atwood, 231 N. Illinois Street, Atwood IL.  Dr. Lanny Faulkner and Pastor Woody White officiating.  Military Rites will be accorded.

Bill was born in Tuscola IL, February 15, 1943, son of James and Dorothy Kleiss. He married Charlotte Ann Welborn Hausmann on April 24, 1993 and was blessed with 26 years of marriage till God called her home April 4, 2019.

Bill grew up on a farm north of town called Hayes, and had countless adventures along the way with his cousins and friends.  After graduating from Tuscola High School, he enlisted in the US AirForce in January 1962, serving his country in the Vietnam war from 1967-1969 and many other posts around the world until he was honorably discharged in September 1986 as Senior Master Sgt/E-8.  Bill was proud of his years in the AirForce and will always be remembered with respect and adoration for serving his country.

After his service in the Air Force, Bill returned to Tuscola and married his wife Charlotte.  It was at that time, he began driving a school bus for Gould Bus Service as well as driving the church bus for the Atwood First Baptist Church, bringing kids from all over the county, to VBS, Awana, and Ignite.  He continued his church bus ministry until his 81st birthday, in February 2024.  Bill also served as Bailiff and Courthouse Security for Douglas County from 1997 until his death.  He especially enjoyed his many years at the courthouse and he loved and appreciated his courthouse "family".  Bill was an avid reader and a regular patron of the Tuscola Public Library.  But his true joy in life was spending time and visiting with family.

Bill is survived by siblings: Joe Kleiss (Jacki) of Cary, NC, Cliff Kleiss (Soda) of Thailand, Lois Charehsazan (Saivi), Mill Creek, Washington, Marilyn Morey of Normal IL., Step-son, Buck Hausmann, Step-daughter, Shari (Bill) Fleming, step-grandchildren, David (Cara) Fleming, Mitchell (Lesley) Fleming, Tinita (Paul) Stam, Jessie Hausmann, Catie (Harry) Workman, Jake Hausmann, Lauren Hausmann and step great grandchildren: Carter Fleming, Cooper Fleming, Caroline Fleming, Avery Fleming, Emma Fleming, & Thomas Stam, as well as  nieces and nephews: Amir Charehsazan (Jessika), Marc Kleiss (Deanna), Kim Holderfield (Curt), Kristen Sullivan (Neil), David Kleiss (Jennifer) and his adopted sons Brad and Jim Kleiss of Las Vegas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Charlotte Kleiss, and nephew, James Afshin Charehsazan.

At Bill's request, in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church Children's Ministries.