Story
Our brother Willhans “Hans” Ili passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 16, 2025 while on vacation in New York City. Hans was born on August 8, 1975 in Duarte, California at Santa Teresita Hospital and grew up in the city of South El Monte. He attended Epiphany Catholic School for grammar school and junior high; and then went on to Bishop Amat High school where he graduated in 1993. After Amat, he attended New Mexico Highlands University and graduated with a BA in Kinesiology in 2001. There were so many things that were special about Hans, too many to name. He was kind and generous, funny and warm, compassionate and faithful. He was the embodiment of the community he gave so much to. He was, South El Monte, where he served on the city council, arranged fundraisers and community events. He was, Bishop Amat, where he loyally played, went to school and later gave so much of himself as an educator. He was our son, brother (uce), uncle (unk), cousin, friend and coach. From what I can see on social media, calls and visits to the Ili house, and in speaking with Mr. & Mrs. Ili, Motu, Jane and Glen – we all loved him mightily, just as we all love the Ili family.
Hans was with his girlfriend Julie and her family when he unexpectedly passed. He left home never thinking he might not return. The Ili family now faces a mountain of expenses to bring our brother home and give him the send-off he truly deserves. I write this today with my whole heart filled with love for Hans and the whole Ili family. I am asking that we offer them our help now in their time of grief, sadness and disbelief. Anything you can give will go a long way toward bringing Hans home to the city he loved so much, and to the family and friends who are waiting to receive him and celebrate all 49 precious years of his existence on earth.
Each and every one of us reading this has our own special memories with or about Hans. Times when we laughed with him, had a beer(s) with him, cried with him or got to experience that big Hans bear hug. I ask that we honor these memories by supporting his family with anything you can. Thank you and please reach out with questions – everything raised will go directly to the Ili family toward the costs associated laying Hans to rest.