Pawnee — Willliam "Bill" Joseph Danner, 66, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at his home in Pawnee. He was born Oct. 23, 1957, in Springfield, the son of Bill A. and Frances K. Sedlack Danner. He married Pamela Sue Long on June 23, 2012, in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and an aunt, Mary Sedlack.

Bill graduated from Rochester High School in 1975 and earned his bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University in physical education. Bill was a teacher, coach and athletic director for over 30 years, teaching at Lincolnwood High School in Raymond, Springfield College in Illinois and Lincoln Land Community College, both in Springfield, and Immoklee Middle School in Immoklee, Florida. Bill was also a coach and athletic director at Little Flower Catholic Grade School in Springfield. He retired in 2011.

Bill was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. He loved college basketball and was a huge Illini fan.

He is survived by his wife, Pam Danner, of Pawnee; two sons, Benjamin J. (wife, Kim) Danner of Auburn and Joseph A. (wife, LaTatia) Danner of Springfield; one sister, Mary K. (husband, Paul) Thomas, of Middletown, Missouri; five grandchildren, Brooklyn, Payton, Jaxon, Aria and Roman; and two nephews.

Following Bill's request, no services are planned.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 10393, Chicago, IL 60610.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Bill Danner. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.