Obituaries
Obituary for Orville G. Franks
Orville G. Franks passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at Buehler Home, in Peoria, IL, at the age of 97. He was born on August 13, 1924 in Peoria.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Valerie, his brother Paul, his parents, Orville J. and Mary M. Franks. Orville married Valerie J. Kratzert on June 16, 1951 at St Mark’s Church. They cherished 69 years as husband and wife.
He is survived by his sister-in-law Dolores Ingersoll, daughter Laura Franks, son Steve Franks and daughter-in-law Karen; daughter Lynda Koontz and son-in-law Brian; son David Franks; and grandchildren Nick Koontz, Samantha Koontz, Alex Koontz, and Michelle Franks, and great grandchildren Sutton Koontz, and Mila Koontz.
Orville graduated from Manual High School in 1942. He proudly served his country in World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corp, 2nd Air Division, from 1943 to 1945. Following his discharge, he began his professional career with Caterpillar Tractor Company and retired in 1985 after 40 years of dedicated service.
Orville was an active leader in the community, serving as president of the St. Philomena Men’s Club, President of St. Philomena Parish Council, President of the Bergan Booster Club, Grand Knight of the Peoria Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic Minister at St. Philomena Church, and enjoyed his volunteer work with the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve organization (ESGR), the Transportation Club of Peoria, and Wildlife Prairie Park.
Orville loved God, his country, his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and all his friends. He was a great cook and gracious host inside his home and especially in his garage. He loved going on annual vacations with his family and friends, cookouts at Wedgewood, and getting out on the dance floor. During his retirement, Orville enjoyed spending time at the Ivy Club, going on cruises, and loved having a wide range of friends over for Braun Schweiger sandwiches, a cold beverage, and a cigar. Everyone was always welcome at Orv’s home and garage.
There will be a visitation on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Wright and Salmon Mortuary from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and the Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Philomena Church, with a half hour prior visitation, in Peoria, IL. Fr. David Richardson will officiate and burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria.
Memorial donations may be made in Orville’s memory to the St Phil’s Parish Endowment Fund or the charity of your choice.
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He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Valerie, his brother Paul, his parents, Orville J. and Mary M. Franks. Orville married Valerie J. Kratzert on June 16, 1951 at St Mark’s Church. They cherished 69 years as husband and wife.
He is survived by his sister-in-law Dolores Ingersoll, daughter Laura Franks, son Steve Franks and daughter-in-law Karen; daughter Lynda Koontz and son-in-law Brian; son David Franks; and grandchildren Nick Koontz, Samantha Koontz, Alex Koontz, and Michelle Franks, and great grandchildren Sutton Koontz, and Mila Koontz.
Orville graduated from Manual High School in 1942. He proudly served his country in World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corp, 2nd Air Division, from 1943 to 1945. Following his discharge, he began his professional career with Caterpillar Tractor Company and retired in 1985 after 40 years of dedicated service.
Orville was an active leader in the community, serving as president of the St. Philomena Men’s Club, President of St. Philomena Parish Council, President of the Bergan Booster Club, Grand Knight of the Peoria Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic Minister at St. Philomena Church, and enjoyed his volunteer work with the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve organization (ESGR), the Transportation Club of Peoria, and Wildlife Prairie Park.
Orville loved God, his country, his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and all his friends. He was a great cook and gracious host inside his home and especially in his garage. He loved going on annual vacations with his family and friends, cookouts at Wedgewood, and getting out on the dance floor. During his retirement, Orville enjoyed spending time at the Ivy Club, going on cruises, and loved having a wide range of friends over for Braun Schweiger sandwiches, a cold beverage, and a cigar. Everyone was always welcome at Orv’s home and garage.
There will be a visitation on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Wright and Salmon Mortuary from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and the Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Philomena Church, with a half hour prior visitation, in Peoria, IL. Fr. David Richardson will officiate and burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria.
Memorial donations may be made in Orville’s memory to the St Phil’s Parish Endowment Fund or the charity of your choice.
Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
15
Jun
5:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Wright & Salmon Mortuary
2416 N North St
Peoria, IL 61604
Visitation
Thursday
16
Jun
9:30 AM
- 10:00 AM
St. Philomena Catholic Church
1000 W. Albany Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
Funeral Mass
Thursday
16
Jun
10:00 AM
St. Philomena Catholic Church
1000 W. Albany Ave
Peoria, IL 61604
Cemetery Details
Location
St. Joseph Cemetery
2105 W. Heading Ave.
West Peoria, IL 61604
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