Francis E. White

Frank was born on December 14, 1919, in Chanute, KS, the eldest child of John Francis and Marguerite Smith White. He grew up in Emporia, KS, and was a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic School, Emporia High School and Kansas State University, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1942. He worked for Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co. in Milwaukee, WI, until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He served as an officer on the USS Denver in the Pacific Theater. Upon his return from the war, Frank was married on January 9, 1946, to Mary Patricia Mehr of Whitefish Bay, WI.

Frank and Pat lived in Newport, RI, while he completed his active service, and then in Shorewood, WI; Bethesda, MD; Elm Grove, WI; and Wyoming, OH, as he continued his career with Allis-Chalmers. They moved to Wilmette in 1974 when he began a second career with the Bell and Gossett division of ITT. He thoroughly enjoyed his work, especially the foreign travel, and reluctantly retired at the age of 70.

Frank was a family man, a hard-working provider for his children, a strict disciplinarian who ran a tight ship, and was also tons of fun, always up for a social gathering, and usually the life of the party. He was energetic and mischievous, loved to joke and tease and tell stories, especially with his grandchildren. He generously opened his home to countless visiting friends and relatives, taking in those who needed a place to live, including his mother-in-law in her later years. Never one to sit still for long, he played tennis and golf well into his 80s.

Frank had a sharp mind and an amazing memory for facts and figures. He was endlessly curious and loved to travel. The letters he wrote after a trip were a marvel of detailed reporting. In his retirement years, he researched the architecture of St. Joseph’s Church and conducted tours. He lectured at Loyola University on the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and produced an extensive history of his family. He was proud of his Irish heritage and his Kansas roots. He was a loyal friend who, in his 90s, still vacationed with friends he had made in kindergarten.

He touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Frank is survived by his six children, Jo Ann Murphy of Wilmette, IL; Mary Margaret (Mickey) White and husband Charles Neil of Embarrass, MN; John Francis White and wife Susan Frederick of South Haven, MI; Patricia Louise White of Minneapolis, MN; Kathleen Jane (Bobby) Bender and husband Roger of Fort Loramie, OH; and Paul Joseph White and wife Rita of Oak Brook, IL; his AFS daughter, Sylvia Fernandez and family of Uruguay; eight grandchildren, Catherine Murphy and husband Josef Jurek, R. Bruce Kinner and wife Jennifer, Mary Kinner, Sarah Alexander and husband Ryan, Anne Kinner, Ellen Kinner, Megan Kirch and husband Kevin, and Jamie Shafer; two step-grandchildren, Maley and Sedge Neil; and five great-grandchildren, Randall, Aidan, Luke, Genevieve and Laurel. He is further survived by his brothers-in-law, J.Tracy Mehr and wife Carol, Michael Mehr and wife Patricia; sister-in-law, Kaye White; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Pat; his sisters, Mary Anna McClenny and husband Daniel, Nanette McGuire and husband Michael; brother, Cornelius White; and sister-in-law, Jo Ann (Toppy) Wilson.

Visitation will be held at the Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home, 1100 Greenleaf Ave. Wilmette on Sunday, June 28 from 4:00 pm -7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1747 Lake Ave., Wilmette on Monday, June 29 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Wilmette. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to St. Joseph’s Catholic School, 1740 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 or a charity of your choice.