William Schoof

A humble legend passes. Bill Schoof played in two NCAA Basketball Final Fours, 1955 & 1956, but would say "if basketball was a four man game, I would've never seen the court". Humble statement for someone who averaged a double-double his senior year in college (10+ points & 10+ rebounds per game). Later in life, Bill was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame; Bloom HS Class of 1952. As a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes Fabulous Five, Bill was well known for basketball. But he also excelled on the diamond for the Hawks. 

After college, Bill played baseball professionally for two years before hanging up his cleats to start a career in college publishing. Richard D. Irwin took a chance on the hometown, Homewood, Illinois hero. And it paid off. All told, Bill spent 25 years at Irwin followed by 8 years leading the Dryden Press before starting the Austen Press. Bill's leadership motto was "hire great people and get out of their way". His 35+ years in college publishing left quite a legacy; earning and allowing Bill to enjoy 30+ years of retirement in Fountain Hills, Arizona. 

Whether through fishing, golfing, watching cartwheels on #11 @ Eagle Mountain, dinner at Tavern on Rush, or sports betting, Grandpa Bill found a way to connect with Megan, Katie, Lauren, Michael, Matthew, Drew, Emma, Maggie, Timmy, and Jason no matter the age or distance. None will ever forget his generous gift as they entered adulthood. For his great grandchildren, Maddie, Mackenzie, and Jake, Big Papi always had a Target Gift Card at the ready. Whether you knew Bill as a son, brother, husband, father, brother-in-law, uncle, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, coach, colleague, teammate, or friend, a Tito's toast to Big Bill. His larger-than-life presence will be missed.  

In lieu of flowers, please give your next waitstaff an oversized tip.