Francis Van Duyne

Francis J. Van Duyne

Age 91 of Coal City, passed away peacefully Monday October 14, 2013 at his home.

Born December 30, 1921 in Channahon, Illinois, Francis was a son of the late Jacob and Eula Stewart-Van Duyne. He was raised in Wilmington and honorably served as Military Police in the United States Army. On September 14, 1946, Francis married Kathryn E. Kuzel in Assumption Catholic Church, and together they raised their family in Coal City. Francis retired from the Carpenters Local #174 and was involved in the building of many homes throughout the area. He was an active member of Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, where he previously held a position on the Parish Council and belonged to the Knights of Columbus Braidwood Council. Franny enjoyed woodworking and will be remembered for his love of singing and dancing.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years Kathryn; four children: Jay (Kathy) Van Duyne of Coal City, Diane (William) Waite of Oakland, California, Kathleen (Kevin) Manske of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Philip (Kathy) Van Duyne of Roselle, Illinois; eleven grandchildren: Bridgette (Phil) Hertz, Eric Van Duyne, Craig (Meagan) Van Duyne, Ryan Waite, Kelly Manske, Andrew Manske, Margaret (Michael) Gawrych, Mary Kate Van Duyne, Megan Van Duyne, Philip Van Duyne and Monica Van Duyne; five great grandchildren: Allison and Marissa Hertz and Gavin, Gabrielle and Dane Van Duyne; one sister Mary (the late Turner "Terry") Turan of Wilmington; one brother William (the late Elaine) Van Duyne of Mesa, Arizona; three sisters-in-law: Joyce Van Duyne, Betty Van Duyne and Charlotte Van Duyne, all of Wilmington; one brother-in-law Warren (Beverly) Kuzel of Coal City and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents Jake and Eula Van Duyne and brothers and sisters: Claude (Marge) Van Duyne, Alvin Van Duyne, Joseph Van Duyne, LeRoy (Rose) Van Duyne, Robert Van Duyne, Eileen (Arden) Gerrish, Agnes (Bill) Moorman, Florence (John, Sr.) Jacklich, Mildred (Lawrence) Wallen and Virginia Van Duyne.

Visitation will be held on Thursday October 17, 2013 between the hours of 4:00PM and 7:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow Friday morning October 18th at 9:30AM in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 245 South Kankakee Street in Coal City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.

Pallbearers will be: Eric Van Duyne, Craig Van Duyne, Ryan Waite, Andrew Manske, Philip Van Duyne and Joe Kuzel.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Francis' memory to the Assumption Building Fund, 245 South Kankakee Street, Coal City, Illinois 60416 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Illinois, 525 W. Monroe Street, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois 60661

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)