Francis L Killelea passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Pleasant View on November 3, 2026. Francis L Killelea was born to Mary Elizabeth Donahue Killelea and James T Killelea in Seneca on the family farm on June 20, 1920. He attended grade school in Seneca and the first 3 years of High School. When the family moved to Ottawa, he continued school at Ottawa High School. His love of cars led him to a variety of jobs before joining the Army. He served in WW Il for 4 years with the rank of Sergeant. He served in Germany and the Astatic Pacific theaters. He was rewarded the Bronze Star, Overseas Service Bar, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was very proud of his service to his country. He maintained lifelong friendships with his army buddies across many states and created new friendships with local veterans, particularly in his later years. He married Alberta Fribbs in Alexander, LA on July 2, 1944. Upon his return from service, Francis and Alberta established a car sales business with franchises throughout the years with Ford, Lincoln Mercury, Studebaker and Tucker. Francis was a private pilot for 35 years. He and Alberta traveled extensively. After his flying days ended, they traveled in their RV for many years, spending the winters visiting his sister and brothers in Texas. He was a member of the St. Columba Church, Knights of Columbus, the VFW and American Legion. Alberta passed on April 19, 1985. On February 28, 1998 Francis married Catherine (Kate) Wanken at St. Columba Church. They enjoyed many happy years together. Catherine passed away on December 9, 2008. Francis was a devout Catholic and very proud of his Irish Heritage. He had a lifelong love of cars and airplanes. He reluctantly quit driving at 104 years old. Francis knew how to repair everything that had moving parts from cars to appliances. He owned several rental properties and maintained them himself. He was always generous with his time. Always there to help Family and Friends. Francis is survived by his Daughter Rita (Ervin) Fullerton and Son Thomas (Nancy) Killelea, Granddaughter Julia Fullerton and Great-Granddaughter Amelia Turvey. His stepchildren, John (Amber) Wanken, Larry (Vicki) Wanken and Anne (Kurt) Schneider and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many who he thought of as family, including fellow Veteran John Dubach, all the kind folks at the Highway Restaurant who affectionately called him Grandpa, his neighbors of many years who always found time to visit as well all the friends at church and beyond that he continued to make into his 100’s. He was always ready with a smile, a kind word or a joke to greet old friends and welcome new ones. The Family is grateful to the many nurses and aides at Pleasant View and the Hospice nurses.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 9, from 10:00am until 11:30am at St. Columba Church. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30am, with Msgr. Mark Merdian officiating. Burial will be at St Columba Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Columba Restoration Fund. The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory 1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350 815-433-0300 www.ottawafuneralhome.com