Clarence Frank Bethel

Frank was born on September 24, 1930, in Gillespie, IL, to Clarence F. and Esther (Sirotti) Bethel. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Reichert, on February 3, 1951, in Peoria, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, David (Kris) Bethel of Belvidere, IL, Robert Bethel of Peoria and Michael (Karen) Bethel of Peoria; 6 grandchildren, Matthew (Shawn) Bethel of Phoenix, AZ, Stephen (Krista) Bethel of Mundelein, IL, Mark (Falynne) Bethel of Wauwatosa, WI, Sarah (Steve) Nelson of Peoria, Vincent Bethel of Peoria, and Marisa Bethel of Peoria; 5 great-grandchildren, Jenz Bethel, Ava Nelson, Liam Bethel, Tate Nelson, and Alexander Bethel.

Frank graduated from Manual High School in 1948 and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, which was awarded in 1958, and a Masters of Arts Degree in Administration from Bradley University in 1960.

He served as Principal of Limestone-Walters from 1954 to 1958. He was elevated to the position of Superintendent in 1958, and served in this capacity until 1961.

In 1961, he joined District 117 where he served as Business Manager and Curriculum Coordinator.

In 1963, he was made Principal of the new Northmoor School in addition to these other duties.

in 1965, Frank was appointed Principal of Lincoln Elementary School in the Peoria School District # 150. He was promoted to Business Manager and retired in 1992. After retirement, Frank continued to work as part-time Principal for Adult Ed in Peoria.

Frank enjoyed working on antique clocks and traveling around the world. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In honoring Frank's wishes, there will be no public visitation or service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, 1203 West Garfield Avenue in Bartonville. A private burial will take place at Swan Lake Memory Gardens at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church in Bartonville or the Alzheimer's Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 612 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com