Father Francis C. Engels, 83, of Kewanee, died Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac. Francis was born March 6, 1936 in Kewanee, the son of Frank and Evelyn (Schultz) Engels. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Alvin Engels; sister, Patricia DeClerk and her husband, Frank DeClerk.
Father Francis is survived by one sister, Maureen (Gary) VanVooren; two brothers, Arthur (Becky) Engels, Honolulu, HI, Thomas (Mercedes) Engels, Mundelein, IL; three nieces, Theresa DeClerk, Sonja (Ken) Tuitele, and Shelley Geyer; and eight nephews, Steve (Christine) DeClerk, Rodney (Jill) DeClerk, Allen (Kathie) DeClerk, Alex Engels, Zack (Colleen) Engels, Matthew (Angelina) Engels, Greg VanVooren, and Jonathon Scott VanVooren; ten great nephews; seven great nieces; and three great great nieces, Aurora Hernandez, Avery and Adelynn DeClerk. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia DeClerk, and brother, Alvin Engels.
Father Francis was a priest for the Peoria Diocese. In his youth he worked for Burns Grange. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He graduated with a Master’s Degree from the U of I, and St. Ambrose, St. Bead’s, and St. Meinard. Francis loved to travel and he visited several different countries and famous places.
There will be a private burial in the Mount Olivet Cemetery at a later date. There will be no visitation or services. Please leave an online condolence for Father Francis’ family at www.schuenemantumblesonfuneralhome.com.
Schueneman Tumbleson Funeral Home | Kewanee, Illinois | Phone: (309) 852-2600
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