William Paul Butkus, a retired English teacher and coach who spent 33 years with School District 155, died peacefully on September 21, 2026. He was 78. Born on November 26, 1947, Butkus was remembered by his family as a devoted father, grandfather, and brother.
A Career Spent in the Classroom and on the Court
Butkus dedicated more than three decades to School District 155, where he taught English and coached. According to his obituary, coaching was more than a job to him. He considered it a calling. He found particular joy in coaching girls basketball, and he cared about his players’ growth away from the game as much as their performance on it.
Former students and athletes remember him for more than his lessons. His impeccably timed one-liners and bone-dry sarcasm became something of a legend among those who knew him. His family said his humor could disarm a room without anyone quite realizing how he did it.
One of his favorite sayings, as quoted in the obituary, was “Listen up sports fans, it’s not rocket science.”
Outside of school, Butkus was a die-hard fan of the Bears, Cubs, and Bulls. He also loved to travel.
Family and Survivors
Butkus was one of seven children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet D. Butkus (née Hauck), his son-in-law, Eric Lemke, and his parents, Alfred and Anne Butkus.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Lemke (née Butkus), and his grandsons, Dylan and Chase Lemke. The family wrote that his grandsons carry forward his memory, along with a healthy appreciation for a well-placed one-liner.
Service Details and Memorials
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Homes and Crematory in Crystal Lake, located at 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. A short funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m.
A luncheon will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The Ellery, 406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, immediately after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials in his name be made to Coe College Women’s Basketball. Donations can be made through the athletics website at kohawkathletics.com. The request reflects his lifelong commitment to girls and women’s basketball.
Those who would like more information can contact Davenport Family Funeral Home in Crystal Lake at 815-459-3411. Online condolences can be shared at davenportfamily.com.
Butkus leaves behind a legacy of wit, wisdom, and quiet dedication. His family, friends, colleagues, and the many students and athletes he mentored say he will be deeply missed.
