William O. Pickett, 97, of Rochester, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at The Carriages of Rochester. Bill was born on December 29, 1928, in Springfield, the son of Jesse Malcom and Mary Angela (Abel) Pickett. He married Jean L. Neese on June 11, 1950, and together they shared 61 years of marriage at the time of her passing, on September 11, 2011.

Bill was Valedictorian of Rochester High School Class of 1946. After high school he went on to study at the University of Illinois and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, and was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity on campus. He worked for 40 years for Country Mutual Insurance Company as an Insurance Adjuster. Bill also received his law degree from LaSalle University in 1969 for Claims Representative. He earned numerous awards throughout his life for his career and public service. Bill and enjoyed traveling with his wife and children, camping, playing golf, and working in his flower gardens. He was an avid Illini Sports fan. Bill served on the Rochester Village Board during the 1960’s, and was a member of Rochester United Methodist Church for over 75 years.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his son, Steven Pickett; one sister, Mary Lou Brown; one brother Jesse Malcom Pickett Jr; and his son in law, Ray Schlicht.

He is survived by his daughter, Ann Schlicht; daughter in law Sally Pickett; grandchildren, Michelle (Michall) Castle, Sean (Jaime) Karwath, Rodney (Trina) Schlicht and Rachel ( Brad) Gotschall; great grandchildren Kegan and Collyn Castle; Angel, Mikia Savannah and Hadley Schlicht, and Lilly and Lucy Gotschall; great great grandchildren Adilyn and Avery Castle, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 10:00AM at the Ruth Primm Memorial Chapel in the Rochester Cemetery, 811 West Main St. Rochester, with Pastor David Johnson officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Farmhouse Fraternity at the University of Illinois, or to the Rochester United Methodist Church.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements.