William "Bill" Studebaker

William "Bill" Studebaker, 60, of Bloomington, passed away at 5:52 pm, Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at his home.A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 1:00-4:00 pm, Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the Ozark House in Bloomington with Rev. Chris Nitzel officiating. Interment will be private. Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Community Cancer Center, Normal, IL.Bill was born on June 18, 1953 in Bloomington, the son of Ernest and Marlene Leach Studebaker. He married Teresa Beitz in 1972. He later married Mara A. Goldberg on July 15, 2000 in Bloomington. She survives.He is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Robert) Baker, LeRoy, his son, Jeremy Studebaker, Bloomington; a sister-in-law, Lisa Bova, Bloomington; two nephews, Nick Bova and Matt (Danele) Bova; and his beloved yellow lab, Cyan.He was preceded in death by his father in 1965.Bill was a 1971 graduate of Normal Community High School. He served in the US Army and was stationed in Hawaii. Bill was a tire builder for Bridgestone/Firestone for thirty-four years. He proudly built the worlds largest tires at 14 feet tall as well as the tires that went on the Space Shuttles launch platform.Bill was also proud of his yard and garden. He was an avid coin collector and loved westerns. Bill was an amazing cook and grillmaster and loved spending time in the kitchen with his wife, Mara. He was known for his chicken wings and onion rings.The elderly women in Bills life were precious to him. He enjoyed taking care of them whenever possible. He was also loyal to his friends and family. Bill will be remembered for his laugh and dearly missed by all those who knew him.