William J. Burghardt

William J. Burghardt of Glen Ellyn.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of William J. Burghardt, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, writer, and friend, who passed away on June 28, 2025 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Bill was the devoted husband of Margaret (Maggie) Fredricks, and the loving father of Jordan Burghardt (Tom Maher), Zachary Burghardt (Shelby Burghardt), and Michelle Lemos (Edgar Lemos). He was the adoring grandfather of Kailey Burghardt, Teagan Burghardt, and Olivia Lemos, and the cherished son of the late William and Jayne Burghardt. He was the dear brother of Barbara Burghardt and Ginni Burghardt (John DeSimone), and the fond uncle of Jenny Roach (Chad Roach) and Jeremy Devin (Gabriella Devin).

A man of intelligence, faith, creativity, and compassion, Bill dedicated his life to the arts, education, and community. He served as House Publications and PR Manager for World Book Encyclopedia, Features Editor and Theatre Critic for the Naperville Sun, and Theatre Critic for WDCB Radio. Pursuing a dream he went back to college and became a teacher at the age of 45, inspiring countless students at Naperville North High School, where he taught Theatre, English, and American Studies.

From his childhood home in Park Forest, he attended Rich East High School. Bill held a BA in Creative Writing and Rhetoric from the University of Illinois, an MA in Fine Arts (Theatre) from Roosevelt University, and completed coursework at Elmhurst College to earn his Illinois Teacher’s Certificate.

His contributions to journalism and the arts were recognized with the Peter Lisagor Award for Exemplary Journalism (Arts Criticism) and the Founders Award from Village Theatre Guild.

A published author, Bill wrote three books: When Mongrel Dogs Teach, Walking Backward in My Father’s Footsteps, and Rambling Answers. His plays—Just Before the Snow Melts, Shadow Stock, and Ben’s Wake—were performed with acclaim. He also directed and acted in numerous productions, including The Laramie Project, Rabbit Hole, Angels Fall, Glengarry Glen Ross, Steambathand Our Town.

Bill was a dedicated member of the Village Theatre Guild since 1977, serving on its board, and was a trustee of the Glen Ellyn Library Board. He was also a member of the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn.

His passions were as diverse as they were deep: theatre, writing, reading, painting, puzzles, chess, Strat-O-Matic baseball, the JFK assassination, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Buddy Holly, J.D. Salinger, the Chicago Cubs, and classic TV shows like Perry Mason and Leave It to Beaver. He was a man of keen intellect, dry wit, and steadfast kindness, who loved deeply and gave generously.

Bill's Celebration of Life will be held at the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025, 535 Forest Ave., Glen Ellyn. The service will be streamed on FCCGE's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCimg6DFT4Re9yJSOVVuoFeQ

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Village Theatre Guild, PO Box 184, Glen Ellyn, IL 60138. https://villagetheatreguild.com/get-involved/donate/

Bill’s legacy lives on in the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the love he shared.

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