'There Was Nobody That Didn't Matter to Bill'

Alfred William "Bill" Marwede, 83, of Lake Forest, Illinois passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 24th, 2014. Bill was a 3rd-generation resident of Lake Forest, playing active roles for most of his life in the community he loved.

Bill was born on August 1, 1930 at Alice Home (which later became Lake Forest Hospital) to the late Alfred Edward Marwede and the late Lillian Gernenz Marwede. He had one sibling, a sister, Elaine Barner, currently of Mundelein, Illinois.

Bill is survived by his wife, Carol Porath Marwede; three children, Lisa Marie Brewster (Scott) of Lake Forest, Alfred Andrew Marwede (Brenda) of Lake Forest, Mark Carl Marwede (Ellen) of Lake Bluff, Illinois; and nine grandchildren, Madeline and Drew Brewster, Hannah, Jake and Hope Marwede, John, Caroline, Katherine and Ben Marwede. 

Bill attended Halsey School, Gorton School, Lake Forest High School (Class of 1948), and then Lake Forest College before being drafted by the US Army to serve in the Korean Conflict. He served in Korea from 1952 through 1954, climbing from the rank of Private First Class to Sergeant, serving primarily with the Company C 120th Engineering Battalion. 

Upon his return from the war, Bill proposed to and married a beautiful young nursing student he met at a dance at the Columbia School of Nursing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Carol was the love of his life for 58 years. 

Bill founded, owned and successfully operated Marwede Cleaners in Lake Forest for approximately 40 years, retiring in 1999. His favorite part of his work was the personal, longstanding relationships he developed with his many customers. 

While running his business and lovingly raising three children, Bill also always found time to give back to his community by serving with many local organizations including his beloved Faith Lutheran Church, The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Jay-Cees, Boy Scout Troop 46, The Lake Forest Historical Preservation Society and The American Legion - McKinlock Post 264. 

Bill was known for his ready, nearly-constant smile and great sense of humor. There was nobody that didn't matter to Bill. He exhibited a great quality to be there for people. Bill had a passion for gardening, fishing, the Wisconsin northwoods and deeply valued his time with family and good friends. 

Following a Private Committal, there will be a Gathering of Friends from 10:30am – 12:30pm on Saturday, March 1, 2014 in the Fireside Room at Faith Lutheran Church, 680 W. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL. Immediately following, at 12:30pm, there will be a Celebration Service of Bill’s Life at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to LCC Canine Comfort Dog Ministry, 333 W. Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101. Info – Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.