William Charles Beitz

William Charles Beitz, “Bill”, age 81, retired Director of Catholic Charities Bureau for the Diocese of St. Augustine, passed away on April 2, 2025 in Jacksonville Beach, Fl. He was born in Saginaw, MI on April 10, 1943, the son of WC Beitz and Edna M. Brieske. He graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1961, Holy Cross College in 1965, and St. John Provincial Seminary with a master’s degree in 1969. He received his second master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University in 1985. He held many positions within the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, MI., including Director of two regional offices for Catholic Family Service and was a licensed Social Worker in Michigan when the family moved to Jacksonville in 1987 to become the Director of the Jacksonville Regional Office of Catholic Charities. Bill retired in 2012 as the Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities.

Bill was actively involved in many community projects; most notably the Sulzbacher Center for the homeless, United Way, Jax Chamber of Commerce and others. His kindness, integrity and humor were legendry.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters Barbara Ann Lake, Mary Kay Cummings and Christine Marie Brass, father-in-law Walter Illig, mother-in-law Janice Illig, and brother-in-law Mark Illig.

Bill leaves behind, his loving wife of 40 years, Lynette D. Illig; step children, Scott D. Gildner and wife Sara of Rochester Hills, MI, Kristie L. Langdale and husband Jason of Summerville, SC and Nicole L. Ricketts of Middleburg, FL.; five grandchildren, Jada Ricketts, J.T. Langdale, Taylor Gildner, Rachel Gildner and Daniel Gildner; brothers in law Gregory Brass of Saginaw, MI and Gregory Illig and wife Jane of West Branch, MI; and, several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Thursday, May 1 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2400 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 with Rev. Valanarasu Irudayanathan officiating. A reception follows at the Annex in Fleet Landing directly across the street.

Bill will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Branch, MI.

In lieu of flowers gifts please consider a donation to Catholic Charities in Jacksonville, Gainesville, or Lake City.