Kuzma

William Kuzma Jr., 87, of O’Fallon, Ill., formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away Thursday morning, Nov. 07, 2024, with his loved ones at his side.

He was born Dec. 25, 1936, to William Kuzma Sr. and Bertha (née Papeaka) Kuzma.

William was an Army veteran and served from Nov. 28, 1956, to Nov. 21, 1958.

After retiring from the coal industry, together with his wife, Emily, whom he married on Oct. 3, 1959, William founded Natural Enrichment Industries in southern Illinois. They wanted to provide employment opportunities and support the USAID Feed the World program. He traveled the world, participating in many trade mission trips to Africa, Japan, Turkey and China in hopes of expanding his business globally.

William was an active member of his community in O’Fallon for over 30 years, serving on the zoning board of appeals, and police and fire pension boards, just to name a few. The O’Fallon City Council issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 7, 2017, as “Bill Kuzma Day” in O’Fallon, in honor of his stellar service to the citizens of O’Fallon. Bill donated to many charities and foundations. He was one of the founding members and board member for Nurses for Newborns — St Louis, Mo.

William was dedicated to his work as well as his family, preparing a solid foundation for his family and their future. His wife, Emily, was his partner, confidant and best friend. His dedication to his family was evident as he strove to do what he thought was best for them.

Surviving are his son, Bill (Mary Clark) Kuzma; daughter, Maria (Mike) Arden; grandchildren, Jake (Grayal), Heather (Todd), Jason (Deanna), Nicholas and Chris; and great-grandchild, Cayson. Bill is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Gloria Kuzma and Lyuba Sepich; nephews, Roger and Rodney (Tracy) Sepich and their children; niece, Christine Kuzma and her children, Danica and Mike; nephew, Doug (Leslie) Kuzma and daughter, Alina; and many Papeaka family members. Also surviving are his caregivers, Ann, Kathy, Tara, Linda, Kelly and Celia, who cared for him day and night with love and devotion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Emily; and brother, Robert Kuzma.

KUZMA — Friends of William Kuzma Jr., who died Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at FOX FUNERAL HOME, 410 W. Main St., Saxonburg. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Drive, O’Fallon, IL 62269.

For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.