Francis R. McNeill
Obituary's Biography:
Francis R. McNeill of Grayslake, IL was born August 31, 1927, to Cecil and Iva McNeill in Flint, Michigan and grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Gould City. He passed away on July 29, 2024. As a young man, his family owned a team of Percheron horses which they used for logging. As an adult, Fran moved to Illinois to work at a wire mill. He worked at the American Can Company until he was hired by the Frank G. Hough Company, which eventually became International Harvester. He worked there for many years as a test stand operator until his retirement. Fran played semi-professional baseball for a time. He married Barbara (Anjaria-Mehlhorn) in 1991. Fran enjoyed bowling, fishing, and golfing in his spare time. In his retirement, he enjoyed restoring vehicles. His restorations included a 62’ Chevy Apache, a 42’ Dodge truck and a 63’ Corvair, among others.
Fran was very active in his church. He was a member at Immanuel Lutheran Church for over 70 years. He served on a number of Boards and the Council.
Fran loved to garden. The family fondly remembers all the potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables he grew in great numbers. He loved working outside taking great pride in his lawn. Fran enjoyed cooking and is known for his beef stew, grandma’s chili and his spareribs. “Boy were they good.”
Fran is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers; Cecil, Lawrence, Harold, and Don; and two sisters; Lola and Florence, and his first wife, Erna (nee: Price).
He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Steve (Shirley), Jeff, Timothy (Sherie) and Mehul Anjaria (Cynthia), grandchildren Jason, Evelyn (Eddie), Lauren, Jameson (Carissa) and Joshua (Nicole). He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
Memorials may made to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waukegan, Illinois.
A visitation will be held at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 1310 N. Frolic Ave. Waukegan, IL 60085 on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 10:00am until 11:00am with the funeral service commencing at 11:00am. All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information log onto ww.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122
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My Grandpa,
What a guy he was.
I can’t even begin to tell you how many wonderful things I remember about him.
My entire life, my Grandpa showered me with love.
No matter what I was doing, what I had going on, no matter what I was looking like or feeling like.. I was SURE to get a massive hug and a huge kiss on the cheek from my Grandpa.
I was blessed, I am blessed.. as my Grandfather got to meet each of my children and be active in their lives, even the smallest [who is one] we actually had his baptism with my Grandfather. It was important to me, and important to my family.
My Grandpa kissed each one of my children like he kissed me growing up, with love and comfort like you’ve never known, and a joke to go with it.
He was the king of funny jokes.
His sense of humor was top notch. You can see that in all of his children, which has poured into his grandchildren as well.
I’d always tell people.. my Grandpa is MR invincible. He’s 94..95..96.. and still doing this and that..
People would always say WOW!
Yes wow, he’s a super hero.
He made me proud.
He gave me a family that I’m so blessed to have with his son, Steve.
Because of my Grandfather, I’ve been raised to believe in Jesus, know he is the ultimate source of comfort and peace, and to follow his path.
He taught my father this, and it’s shaped my whole life. Because of this, I know I will see my Grandpa again, and we will walk together in heaven.
He was an astronomical man, an amazing family man, the best Grandpa ever.
I’m going to miss that “Evie, take some tomatoes”, “Evie, have some pie” the compliments on the creamed cucumbers, the “By Gosh, you’ve done it again”… and everything else that makes me think of him.
Love you Grandpa.
I’m so lucky to have the family I have.
We will see eachother again soon.
Barb,
Although I’m unable to join you for Fran’s services on Friday, I will be thinking of you. I still can’t believe Fran won Best in Show at the flower show for his potato! What a guy!
Nancy
What a beautiful tribute to your grandfather! Ron and I will be keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Elaine O’Neil
Barb, I cannot attend the services today, however, please know you are in my thoughts. May your memories of Fran bring you peace.
Lisa