William Diddlebock
Alton | Save
William “Bill” P. Diddlebock, 84 of Alton, passed away Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026, in Waterloo, IL, surrounded by his family.
He was born on July 15th, 1942, in Concord, MA, to Colonel William Holtz and Louise (Payson) Diddlebock. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sandy Sanders.
Bill grew up skiing, riding horses, and playing his favorite sport, basketball. He attended military school in 1959 and was All-Missouri basketball his junior year of high school, when he received a basketball scholarship to Drake University in Des Moines, IA. His love and passion grew for basketball at Drake, where he played for 4 years.
After graduating with his bachelor's from Drake University in 1965, he began his teaching and coaching career for Alton School District #11. He taught PE and Health and coached basketball, track, and cross country for 35 years. He also coached tennis at Marquette Catholic High School. He loved all of his students and athletes throughout the years.
He met the love of his life and wife, Judith “Judy” (Kahney) Diddlebock, in 1966, where they later married on August 5th, 1967, in Alton, IL. They had their first child, a daughter, the apple of his eye, Amy Elizabeth (Charles Keshner) Ballard on August 7th, 1969, who embodied his loving and fun spirit. They then had their second child, a son, his boy, William Christopher (Susan) Diddlebock on July 23rd, 1971, who embodied his intelligence and wit. His children are his everything and he was the best daddy in the world.
On January 16th, 1998, his first grandchild was born, Samuel “Sam” Cole (Josie) Ballard. Sam took on his athleticism, love of sports, and was Sam’s best friend. On June 24, 2004, his second grandchild was born, Sloane Payson (Owen Stendeback) Ballard. She was a mini-Amy, which he loved, she took on the same loving and fun spirit.
Bill did so much for this community. He created the Bud Simpson Tennis Tournament, he was the director of Alton Park and Recreation, and he organized sports and camps for so many children. He was funny, loving, had the best smile, and loved adventures. In his later life, he found his love for golf and even played unscheduled golf trips to Florida. He played rounds and rounds with his grandson and his friends. He even made a hole in one on his 80th birthday.
He is also survived by his great grandchildren Blayne and Iris Ballard, who he adored and were so grateful to spoil. He is also survived by his chosen grandchildren, Christopher (Katie) Purcell and Ashley (Justin) Koeneman; great grandchildren, Chip and Cece; and his best friend of 73 years, Mack “Wart” Kelly.
He was the best husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend and will be missed forever. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Gent Funeral Home & Cremation Service have been entrusted with services. Additional information and online guestbook are available at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
Gent Funeral Home
