William "Bill" McGuirk, Sr. 73, of Moline, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at Heartland Health Care Center, Moline. Friends may call on Thursday, Jan. 3, from 1-4 p.m. at DeRoo Funeral Home, Moline. He was born Jan. 3, 1939, in Moline, the son of Howard W. and Ruby (Davis) McGuirk. William was self-employed as a small-engine mechanic, retiring in 2004. He enjoyed meeting his friends at Les & Molly's, where the family will receive friends after visitation Thursday. Survivors include his daughters, Bonnie Meersman (Ron Davisson), Erie, Jacklyn (Don) Gremmels, Springfield, Mo., and Julie Dickinson (Larry Parmley), Carbon Cliff; sons, Bill (Kathy) McGuirk Jr., Moline, Jack Dempsey, Springfield, Mo., Charles Williams, Springfield, Mo., and Rodney (April) Rhodes, Como, Ill.; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and sister, Delores Gusman, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy; brother, James; and longtime companion, Sharon Means. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.deroofuneralhome.com.
Today is Friday, May 24, the 144th day of 2013. There are 221 days left in the year. 1863 -- 150 years ago: A military escort will be at the square at 9 a.m. tomorrow forthe funeral of Lieut. Joseph Eaton. The county judge is absent in Chicago, which willaccount for his not being in the procession. 1888 -- 125 years ago: Rock Island's City Council last night appropriated $95,000 forexpenses for the 1888 and 1889 fiscal year. 1913 -- 100 years ago: Mrs. F.W. Reimers last night was re-elected president of the RockIsland Musical Club at a meeting in the New Harper Hotel. 1938 -- 75 years ago: Seven members of Boy Scout Troop 21 got their Eagle badges lastnight. They were Ralph Hurt, Robert Nelson, Howard Schersten, Cecil Nelson, RobertFryxell, Clarence Stone and Rollin Hurt. 1963 -- 50 years ago: Mayor Morris Muhleman has resorted to a form letter in an effort toanswer objections to the wheel tax increase. "It was my hope that I could, in some way,restore the faith of the citizens in our city. In order to do this I knew I must face the factthat I would become very unpopular."All they are trying to do is protect the citizensproperty and build their town. 1988 -- 25 years ago: RICCA, the Rock Island County Council on Addictions, inconjunction with the Quad City Downs, will hold its annual "Night at the Races" June 2.The benefit "Night at the Races" will raise funds locally to assist in maintaining the twohalfway houses, New Hope Lodge (for women) and Beacon House (for men).