Fernando Delgadillo

He was born in Peoria to Salvador and Belen (Ortiz) Delgadillo. Fernando married the love of his life Delores (Lopez) on August 24, 1957 in Chillicothe, she survives.

He is also survived by his children, Alisa (Doug) Meyer, Bartonville, Philip (Maribeth) Delgadillo, San Jose, IL, Laura (Mike) Daxenbichler, Bartonville, Vince (Vanessa) Delgadillo, Houston, TX, Edward (Michelle) Delgadillo, Bartonville, and Matthew Delgadillo, Bartonville; one brother, Manuel (Karen) Delgadillo, Omaha NE; one sister, Teresa (Roman) Serrano, Atlanta, GA; he had 11 grandchildren, Doug, Nick, Megan, Rosemarie Michael, Philip, Andrew, Sydney, Carson, Blake and Elijah; 10 great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Evan, Collin, Atticus, Rowan, Santiana, Jackson, Parker, Brynlee and Kynslee.

Fernando was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Louise (Fidel) Moreno and one brother, Ambrose Delgadillo.

Fernando graduated from St. Patrick Grade School and Spalding Academy High School in Peoria IL.

Fernando proudly served his country in the United States Army in the 1st Cavalry Division during the Korean War as a Medic with the rank of Corporal. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Occupational Medal from Japan, the Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze Service Stars and the South Korean Government Ambassador of Peace Medal.

He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association and St. Anthony Church.

He worked for 29 years at Barretts/Celotex, Caterpillar and finished his working years at Export Packaging.

Dad, Fred, Grandfather, Grandpa Fred, Uncle Fernie were a few of his names. Everyone who knew him knew that family was the most important thing to him. He treated everyone he met as family. Fernando always had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. What he leaves behind will be his beautiful family to continue his Legacy. His humor and one-liners were legendary and are repeated daily by his family.

The things that Fernando loved to do was go to all his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids ball games. He ate ice cream every day and sometimes more than once a day. His pets Daisy the cat and Loki the dog was always by his side.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 5 – 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Bartonville, IL 61607. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 10 a.m. with an additional visitation to begin at 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Father Dave Heinz will officiate. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Memory Gardens, Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made in Fernando’s name to St. Anthony Church or OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.

Online condolences and words of comfort may be left for the family at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com.