William E. Crachy

William E. Crachy, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, Indiana.  He was born September 25, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois to the late William E. Crachy and Minnie M. (Patton) Crachy. 

William attended Bowen High School in Chicago where he played 1st Trombone in the Marching Band and was also in the Concert Orchestra. He was a member of the swimming team, the wrestling team, and the track team.

Bill enlisted in the Merchant Marines during the summer of his junior year and sailed the Great Lakes during his summer vacation. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1944, where he served with the 4th Marine Division until 1946. Bill was honorably discharged after WW2.

Bill attended the University of Illinois for 1 1/2 years, Midwestern School of Optics for 2 years and the University of Valparaiso. He also attended night school at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Illinois for two semesters.  He was also a certified Scuba diver and a charter member of the Hickory Hills Country Club.

In 1947, Bill met Lois Kirchner and married her at The Salem Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois four months after he met her. They enjoyed nearly 72 wonderful years of marriage and have four children, Sandra Crachy, Susan Williams, William (Valerie) Crachy, Robert (Susan) Crachy; granddaughter, Amanda Crook; great-grandchildren, Jonny and Kenneth Crook. Lois passed away on May 10, 2019.

His brother, Gene Crachy preceded him in death.

Bill was a bricklayer for fourteen years before starting his own company where he employed twelve employees. He developed 43 acres into a subdivision of custom homes.  Bill was also a superintendent and project manager for prominent building corporations. In 1971 Bill and his family moved to South Bend where he joined the firm of Place and Company as project manager where he worked until Mr. Place passed away.  Bill started a new building company in South Bend and continued building until he was 82 years old.

Services will be held for family and friends 10:30 am Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1021 Manchester Dr, South Bend, IN 46615.  Burial and Military Services will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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