Francis L. Meagher, 85, of Ottawa

Francis L. Meagher, 85, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, December 27th, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 2nd, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 3, at 10:00 am at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Francis was born July 31, 1938, in Ottawa, IL, to Francis and Esther (Capello) Meagher. He served in the United States Marine Corps for 3 years stationed at Camp Pendleton. After his time in service, he was a union carpenter with Local 195 for over 30 years. In his free time, he enjoyed his model trains, kicking back smoking his pipe, and tending to his beautiful garden. He was an avid sports fan, listening to the White Sox, the New York Giants, Notre Dame, or the University of Illinois on his radio. He was an animal lover and adored his dogs, Shorty and Dutch. He loved food and was always looking forward to planning his meals.

He is survived by his children, Dan (Tina) Meagher, Amy (Jay) Aicher, Jimmy Meagher, Dave Meagher, and Beth (Shannon) Brown; his grandchildren, Zachary, Alyssa, Jacob, Jonah, Kayla, Hannah, Jerrick, Jessica, Mariah, Jayden, and Teyah; his great-grandchildren, Finnian, Rowan, Kali, Tinley, Dalton, Donald, and Silas; as well as his brother, Michael Meagher.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Cheryl; his daughter in infancy; his great-granddaughter, Maggie Aicher; his siblings, Patricia George, Diane Bayer, and Maureen Farmer; and his beloved dogs, Shorty and Dutch.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Jayden, Jacob, Jonah, Jerrick, and Zachary, and his son-in-law, Jay Aicher.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com