William Edward Bataille, 65, of Palatine, died Friday, June 10, 2011, with his family at his side. Bill was born August 19, 1945, in Appleton, WI and died at Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. He is survived by his son Michael Kennedy (Diane) of Indiana, grandchildren David, Jennifer, and Steven, and siblings James (Judy), Suzanne, and Jeanne. He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Audrienne (nee Jones) and siblings Audrienne and Gerald (Hodo).

Bill graduated from Wauconda High School and answered the call of duty from his country when he was drafted into the army in 1966 and served as a Specialist 4 in the 11th Armored Cav Division. Bill served two years in Vietnam, eventually having been in charge of his own unit. Bill returned home from Vietnam at the age of 22, having been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Even two decades later, despite his experiences at war, Bill was absolute in his resolve that he would return to Vietnam in a heartbeat if it meant bringing home POWs.

Bill received his cosmetology license in 1970 and completed his advanced training from Vidal Sassoon in Chicago in 1972. He co-owned and later owned the hair salon, Mane Street, in Palatine for 12 years. After selling his business, Bill continued to do hair at Mane Street while also driving a school bus for the Barrington School District until he was hospitalized on June 2. Bill will be remembered for his humor, the practical jokes he perfected as a child under the tutelage of his siblings, and also for his kind-heartedness to family and friends.

Bill loved to play golf, to sing folk songs while playing the guitar, and he enjoyed sitting on his patio with a freshly brewed cup of Hills Bros. coffee in hand. Throughout his adult life Bill brought smiles and laughter to his family, his customers, and the kids on his school bus with his never-ending supply of jokes and infectious laugh. Periodically Bill would entertain others with his guitar either on his own or with his brother Jim and/or sister Jeanne by his side, performing at local establishments and family gatherings. Bill loved to tell tales of his antics and always had “one more quick story” before he left a room. Bill was a man with a child’s heart and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service for Bill was officiated by Warren K. Schilf at 10am on Monday, June 13, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N. Plum Grove Road in Palatine. Bill’s ashes will be buried at Abraham Lincoln Memorial National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road in Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the VA or Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Please sign the registry below.