- Date Of Birth: February 1, 1927
- Date Of Death: February 25, 2019
- State: Illinois
Francis Roscoe Tielkemeier, known by many as “Mr.T”, and “Grandpa T” to others, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2019 at Presence St. Joseph Nursing Center with family by his side.
Francis was born February 1, 1927 to Alfred and Ada (Pfeil) Tielkemeier at Deaconess Hospital in Freeport. He completed eight grades at Rock City School and then stayed home to help on the family farm. He also helped haul livestock at the Rock City Stockyard when a bit older. As a teenager, he was confirmed as a member of Rock City EUB Church, which later became the Rock City United Methodist Church. He faithfully attended there his entire life, serving in many capacities.
On March 7,1948, he married Doris Zimmerman at St. Paul Church of Eplyanna. They farmed the family farm. Doris and Francis had four children: Shelby, Gary, Nancy, and Carol. As a young man, Francis played softball with the Rock City Nighthawks. He and Doris moved to a farm by Rock Grove in 1952 and raised dairy cows and hogs. Francis loved hunting raccoons, fox, and coyote, and developed many special relationships with those who shared his passion. In later years, that included fishing with his buddies. He also bowled in several men’s leagues, and, with his wife, in a couple’s league.
After retiring from farming, he and Doris moved to Rock City. Francis started an excavating business, which later became Tielkemeier-Klever Excavating. Morning coffee at the Dew Drop Inn became an important part of his day that brought much bantering and laughter with great friends.
Francis believed in community. He served on the Rock City Village Board, as mayor of Rock City, and as a director of Stephenson County Farm Bureau, as well as Durand State Bank. He was also a member of the Rock Run Historical Society, and, with his wife, managed the Rock City Senior Citizens Apartments for several years. Along with Doris, they were ticket chairmen for the Stephenson County Ag Breakfast. Believing in education, he is a founding member of the Children’s Hands On Museum. He and Doris loved watching the Chicago Cubs play, and attending grandchildren’s sporting events.
Francis was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s on his 90th birthday, and, sadly, began his stay at Presence St. Joseph in May, 2017.
Francis is survived by his wife of almost 71 years, Doris. Daughters: Shelby (Jim) Bordner of Dakota and their children, Steve (Danah) Bordner of Chagrin Falls, Ohio and their daughters, Taylor and Reagan, Sarah (Ryan Judd) Bordner of Land O’Lakes, Florida, Scott (Katie) Bordner of Wheaton and their sons Zachary and Wesley, Amy (Jered) While of Marengo and their children Brayden, Paxton, Paightynn, Kayla (Cole) Miller of Lena, Jamie Brooks of Freeport, Nancy (Gary) Guthrie of Nevada, Iowa and their son, Eric Guthrie of Chicago, Carol (Brennan) Kane of San Leandro, California. Sisters: Neva Wilson of Rockford, Sharon (Carl) Wise of Bonne Terre, Missouri, Brother-in-law: Gladwyn Helmeid of Janesville, Wisconsin, and many special nieces and nephews. Half-Sisters: Gayle (Harlan) Boos, Juanita (Greg) Evans
Francis was preceded in death by: His parents and stepfather Chester Bouray, His son, Gary, in a farming accident, His brothers, Leo and Darrell Tielkemeier, His brothers- and sisters-in law: Delbert Wilson, Gladys Tielkemeier,, Marcella Tielkemeier, Victor and Wilma Folgate, Manley and Marjorie, Richards, Milton and Mildred Benning, and Grace Helmeid. Brother and Sister-in-law: Wendell and Jennie Zimmerman.
