William "Bill" A. Darin

William “Bill” A. Darin, 83, of Moline, Illinois, peacefully departed this life on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family, after a 6.5-year courageous battle with bladder cancer.

Private services will be held at a later date. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. In Bill’s memory, please consider donating to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center in Milan, Illinois.

William Anthony Darin was born on October 27, 1942, in Joliet, Illinois, son of Anthony and Olga (Zamkovitz) Darin. He married Debra Keller on January 6, 2001, in Michigan City, Indiana. He previously had married Charline Hoefflin and Marian Sunkin.

He attended Joliet Township High School and Joliet Junior College. He was former charter president for the Lions Club of Colona and former board member of the Henry County Bank in Colona. William was on the board for starting the Colona Memorial Day parade and participated in the parade for several years. He also served on the Hanna Township homeowners association.

He lived a full and well-lived life and had several amazing careers of which he was very proud. He worked for Ted’s Dex in Rockdale, Illinois; General Finance Loan Company in Moline, Illinois; and as the owner and operator of Gailliaert’s Hardware and Gas in Colona, Illinois. He later worked in the casino industry for more than 20 years, including serving as a shift manager at Blue Chip Casino and at other casinos in Indiana, Florida, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Iowa. Bill raced harness horses for several years, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was especially proud of winning the 1988 Breeders Crown with Annie Crombie. His favorite horses, in addition to Annie, were Kelly Tuck Lee and Straight Stick. After retirement, Bill stayed busy working for Grubhub, Lyft, and performing insurance inspections. He was not one to simply sit around.

In addition to the Quad Cities and Michigan City, Bill enjoyed his years living in Jacksonville and Port Charlotte, Florida.

Bill spent his life doing what came naturally; making people laugh, speaking his mind, and keeping everyone on their toes. His filter was optional and his timing was impeccable, especially when a joke was slightly inappropriate. He never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity for one-liners. Whether you were family, friend, or a poor unsuspecting cashier; you were likely on the receiving end of his humor and better for it.

He loved his family deeply, even if he showed it through teasing, sarcasm, and playful troublemaking. Beneath the jokes was a man fiercely devoted to the people he loved. Bill enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren above all.

He leaves behind laughter, stories we’ll repeat for years, and a reminder not to take life for granted. If you’re reading this – “Take a Good Look” and remember “W.G.S”, were two of Bill’s famous phrases.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Debbie Darin of Moline, Illinois; daughters, Julie (Geoff) Untiedt of Rock Island, Illinois and Michelle (Earl) Ferrell of Michigan City, Indiana; step-daughter, Brooke Keller of Michigan City, Indiana; grandchildren, Zachary McClue of Michigan City, Indiana and Daryn Untiedt of Rock Island, Illinois; step-grandchildren, Amarah Spikes of Michigan City, Indiana, Paige (Brian) Sullivan, and Corey (Erin) Ferrell; cousins, Sharon Zamkovitz, Joan Zamkovitz of Joliet, Illinois, Joyce Bertino, and Linda Karr of San Diego, California; sisters-in-law, Laurie Richardson, Susie Sobecki, Diane (Dale) Bogoslawski of Michigan City, Indiana, and Julie Sobecki of Florida; special friends, Oliver (Len) Ketron, Mike Ontiveros; and Robert Drancik; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Olga Darin; sister, Judith Darin-Suffern; cousin, Paula Harvey; uncles, John Darin, William Darin, James Darin, Tino Darin, Paul Zamkovitz, and Nick Zamkovitz; aunts, Helen Parker, Mary Darin, Munya Karr, and Annie Zamkovitz; and his beloved dog, Puffy.

Bill is now reunited with those who have gone before him and will be forever missed by those who remain.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Bill’s care givers, Karletta, Andrea, Sarah, Justice, and Maribel; and the Compassus Hospice team, Dr. David Ade, Dr. Constantinou, Dr. Abu, and staff for their guidance and compassion through these difficult times.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.