William "Bill" A. Gernand

Danville – William “Bill” A. Gernand, 94, of Danville passed away at 6:40 AM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Hawthorne Inn of Danville. He was born December 20, 1930, in Chicago, IL to Peter and Lorna (Bush) Gernand. He married Phyllis A. Kovanic on November 10, 1956, in Westville, IL. She preceded him in death on April 5, 2025.

He is survived by two sons, Gary (Janet) Gernand of Alvin, IL and Robert “Bob” (Diana) Gernand of Danville, IL; four grandchildren, Jenna (Garrett Carter) Gernand of Ferndale, WA, Mark (Natalie Malinowski) Gernand of Alvin, Callie Gernand of Danville, and Joshua Gernand of Danville.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Peter “Ted” Gernand, sister, Virginia VanBurk, and an infant sister.

After graduating from high school, Bill served in the United States Army. Following his time in the military, he operated a Ford and John Deere dealership before eventually settling into his lifelong career as a farmer in the Alvin area. Bill was a member of the Farm Bureau, and he was active in the community as a member of the Rossville-Alvin School Board. When he wasn’t working, he liked spending time with his family and golfing with his farmer buddies from the area. For many years, Bill and Phyllis enjoyed spending their winters in Florida and taking cross-country bus trips with their friends. When they were home in Illinois, they liked to spend Friday nights eating pizza and playing cards with their friends Dale and Phyllis Fetters. After retiring, Bill spent his days gardening and working in the yard with the family’s dog, Lady, at his side.

A service to celebrate the life of Bill Gernand will be held at 10 AM on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Pastor Kent Tibben will officiate. Burial will be at Mann’s Chapel Cemetery following services. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, November 20, also at Sunset in Danville. Memorials in Bill’s name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Danville.

Please join Bill’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.