William E. Goranson

William E. "B.I." Goranson, 86, of Monmouth died at 9:40 P.M. Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

B.I. was born Sept. 2, 1927 in Monmouth, IL the son of John G. and Ida Elda (Hull) Goranson. He was raised and educated in Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1944. He served with the United State Army during World War II.

B.I. married Barbara A. Beam in Monmouth on Nov. 1, 1963 and she died June 2, 2005.

B.I. was a salesman for Norris Office Equipment and Supplies for over 45 years before retiring in 1992. He was an avid golfer and loved Jazz music.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Monmouth, Monmouth Country Club, Monmouth Rotary Club, Monmouth Elks Club and the Monmouth American Legion Post #136. He was a 32nd degree Mason with Monmouth Masonic Lodge, a member of the Mohammed Shrine Temple from Peoria and he was very active in assisting with the children to the Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis. He also served as a volunteer Fireman as well as serving as the Police and Fire Commissioner for several years.

Survivors include his son, David Goranson of Peoria, numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, John Goranson and sister, Mary Becker.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Burial with military honors will be in Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth. Friends may call Monday morning at the funeral home where his family will be present from 10:00-11:00 a.m. A memorial fund has been established to be designated later.