INFORMATION FROM PHIL HASKETT (RET)

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William D. "Bill" Button, a lifelong resident of Morris and a pillar of the community, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on August 12, 1942, to the late Charles Earl and Dorothy (Brooks) Button. Bill was the beloved husband of Carol (Carlson) Button, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage filled with love and cherished memories. He was a devoted father to his children, Cynthia (Scott) Belt, William Button Jr., and Tracy Ann Steffes. His role as a grandfather to Tara, Jessica, Jenna, Monica, Lexie, Tyler, Hali, and Logan, and as a great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren, brought him immeasurable joy. Bill is also survived by his sister, Deborah (Steve) Kommer; his brother, Charles Earl Button Jr.; sister-in-law Judy Buttry; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Jackie Lutz and Patricia Sterritt, and his in-laws Swede and Irene Carlson and Sharon Heisner.A proud graduate of Morris High School's class of 1960, Bill embodied the motto, "Redskin Pride Never Dies!" He was the first president of the Morris Quarterback Club, demonstrating his leadership and passion for local sports. After high school, Bill began his career at the Morris Paper Mill before dedicating his life to law enforcement. He served the Morris Police Department and later the Grundy County Sheriff's Department, where he was appointed Sheriff and then elected to the position, serving from 1972 until 1982. His tenure as Sheriff was marked by significant contributions, including initiating Grundy County's participation in the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad (MANS) and overseeing the construction of the new jail at the Grundy County Courthouse. Following his distinguished career in law enforcement, Bill worked for the Secretary of State until his retirement in 2002. Bill's interests and activities outside of work were a testament to his vibrant character and his love for his hometown. From thrilling crowds with diving board tricks at the Morris pool at the tender age of six to serving on the Morris High School Board of Education, Bill's zest for life was evident. He coached CYO flag football at ICS, was a devout member of the Immaculate Conception Church. An avid White Sox and Chicago Bears fan, Bill's passion for sports was only matched by his love for old country music and westerns on television. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as cooking, gardening, and meeting friends every morning at Clayton's. His Bayles Lake home was a source of serenity and happiness, a place where many cherished memories were made. Memorials may be made in Bill's name to Lightways Hospice in Joliet. A visitation for Bill will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the UC Davis- Callahan Funeral Home in Morris. A celebration of Bill's life will follow at noon, officiated by Celebrant Carol Walker. Inurnment will take place at Sample Cemetery at a later date. An online guestbook has been made for the family, where you may sign the guestbook, share memories and photographs. You can access this by visiting the website at www.ucdaviscallahan.com. Arrangements have been entrusted with U.C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home, 301 W. Washington Street, Morris, IL.



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Krystal Rivera, 36, a proud four year and four-month Police officer of the Chicago Police Department, sacrificed her life in the line of duty on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Krystal was raised in Humboldt Park, Chicago by her loving Puerto Rican parents, Yolanda Rivera and the late Eduardo Miguel Rivera. The youngest of three sisters, Krystal shared a deep bond with her older sisters, Jacqueline Rivera and Yasmin Rivera. Krystal’s father, Eduardo, was a preacher and through his deep love for God and His Word, he helped anchor a strong foundation of faith in her life. That legacy became a guiding light for Krystal, instilling in her the strength to persist through life’s challenges, while staying rooted in her relationship with God. Though she was the baby of the family, Krystal had a fiercely protective spirit especially when it came to her mother, Yolanda. She was incredibly proud of who her mother was and often said Yolanda was her greatest motivation. Krystal grew up surrounded by love, culture, and strong family ties which shaped the remarkable woman she became today. She loved her family fiercely and extended that love freely to others. Her presence was a gift and her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Krystal was a vibrant soul who deeply loved life. She was a woman of integrity, hardworking, resilient, and full of dreams of which she actively pursued. Being surrounded by strong women her entire life deeply inspired Krystal and fueled her drive to pursue her goals with passion and determination. Krystal’s character was marked by strength, ambition, and natural leadership. At 18, she initially planned to join the Army but soon felt a strong calling to serve her community as a police officer. She pursued that calling with passion and dedication, eventually becoming a proud member of the Chicago Police Department. Her ultimate goal was to become a forensic investigator, a dream she was actively working toward. While balancing the demands of her job and single motherhood, Krystal was in the process of researching online classes to continue her education and move closer to that goal. She had a contagious sense of humor and created a light that radiated in every room she entered. Krystal had a unique style that reflected her beautiful complexity, equally passionate about fashion and comfortable in her tomboy spirit. She had a passion for animals and especially loved horses, finding joy and peace in their presence. Krystal was also deeply committed to her physical and mental well-being, faithfully making time for the gym despite her tight schedule. Her love for fitness, health, and witnessing to others was just one more way she lived with strength and purpose. Though she gave much to her work and goals, Krystal’s number one priority was always her daughter, Isabella. Her daughter was the center of her world and everything she did was with Isabella in mind. She poured her love, energy, and strength into being a devoted mother, instilling strong moral values, teaching her to be kind and loving, and leading by example with grace and courage. Krystal is survived by her beloved young daughter, Isabella; her dear mother, Yolanda Rivera; her loving sisters, Jacqueline Rivera and Yasmin Rivera; and her fond stepfather, Roderick Thompson. Contributions may be made to the Krystal Rivera Memorial Fund, C/O National Police Federal Credit Union, 1407 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607.

AND...reminder:

26 June 2025. From the Chicago Police Marine Corps League!

26 June 2025 0530/1130+, Wednesday, Lily Bug Acre, 25315 W Grass Lake Rd, Antioch, Annual Fishing Trip: Please join us for our annual fishing trip to the Chain of Lakes. Bring friends and family to enjoy some great boat or shore fishing. Come in at 1130 hours for measurements and prizes. We’ll provide food just after noon. Afterward, hang out, fish more, and enjoy some great camaraderie. Bring Babe Winkleman!! Sponsors wanted.

Flier attached:

AND...reminder:

27 June 2025.Chicago Police Chaplains Unit Bowling with Brandt!

Join us for an evening to celebrate and support our Chicago Police Chaplains who, every day, celebrate and support the Members of the Chicago Police Department! Your $50.00 donation will include a Full Open Bar, Billiards, Bowling, Pizza, and Appetizers. June 27, 2025, .7PM-10PM. Edison Park Inn, 6715 N Olmsted, Chicago IL. Live music performed by THE ROAD TAKEN

Price: $50.00

https://www.chicagopcm.org/proddetail.p ... ing_Brandt

Flier Attached:

AND…

Your Department Chaplains are hosting a day-long marriage retreat on Friday, 27 JUN 25, 1000 hours-1500 hours at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanical Gardens in Palos Heights.

We are excited to invite all active and retired Chicago Police Officers and their spouses to participate in this program intended to strengthen relationships, improve communication and achieve better work-life balance.

This retreat will provide a safe and supportive environment for couples to connect, share experiences and learn valuable relationship-building skills tailored to the unique challenges of law enforcement life. Childcare is included. Please contact Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis for more information at kimberly.lewisdavis@chicagopolice.org or 312.771.6638.

From the CPD Daily bulletin 19 June 2025.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED!

Arthur M. Swanson ........ 1936

John W. Mathews ......... 1988

DEATH NOTICES!

Passed away 13 June 2025 RETIRED POLICE OFFICER JOHN T. BRENNAN, formerly assigned to Communication Operations Unit, father of Police Officer Helen Brennan District 009. •

Passed away 13 June 2025 CARLOS ALVAREZ, father of Police Officer Brenda Alvarez assigned to District 012.