Francis R. Mcneill

Francis R. McNeill of Grayslake, IL was born August 31, 1927, to Cecil and Iva McNeill in Flint, Michigan and grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Gould City.  He passed away on July 29, 2024.  As a young man, his family owned a team of Percheron horses which they used for logging.  As an adult, Fran moved to Illinois to work at a wire mill.  He worked at the American Can Company until he was hired by the Frank G. Hough Company, which eventually became International Harvester.  He worked there for many years as a test stand operator until his retirement.  Fran played semi-professional baseball for a time.  He married Barbara (Anjaria-Mehlhorn) in 1991.  Fran enjoyed bowling, fishing, and golfing in his spare time.  In his retirement, he enjoyed restoring vehicles.  His restorations included a 62' Chevy Apache, a 42' Dodge truck and a 63' Corvair, among others.

Fran was very active in his church.  He was a member at Immanuel Lutheran Church for over 70 years.  He served on a number of Boards and the Council.

Fran loved to garden.  The family fondly remembers all the potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables he grew in great numbers.  He loved working outside taking great pride in his lawn.  Fran enjoyed cooking and is known for his beef stew, grandma's chili and his spareribs.  "Boy were they good."

Fran is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers; Cecil, Lawrence, Harold, and Don; and two sisters; Lola and Florence, and his first wife, Erna (nee: Price).

He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Steve (Shirley), Jeff, Timothy (Sherie) and Mehul Anjaria (Cynthia), grandchildren Jason, Evelyn (Eddie), Lauren, Jameson (Carissa) and Joshua (Nicole).  He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Memorials may made to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waukegan, Illinois.

A visitation will be held at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 1310 N. Frolic Ave. Waukegan, IL 60085 on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 10:00am until 11:00am with the funeral service commencing at 11:00am.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto ww.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122