Francis "Frank" J. Gilligan

Francis “Frank” J. Gilligan, 84, of Machesney Park, passed away September 29, with his loving wife and family by his side. Born October 11, 1929 in Austin, MN; he was the son of Francis M. and Jennie A. (Morgan) Gilligan. He married Wanda Kingcade on July 1, 1952 in Rockford.

A SGT in the U.S. Army, Frank served his country during the Korean War; a “Chosin Few” survivor. He retired from Kelsey Hayes Company - Gunite Division after 30 years of employment. Frank was a member of the 32nd Infantry Regiments, Local 718 UAW, and a life-time member of the V.F.W. Post 9759 in Loves Park..

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching nature shows, gardening and feeding nature’s animals in his yard. He received the “Yard of Distinction Award” several times for having an immaculate yard. He was the most wonderful, caring, loving, funny, genuine, good-hearted person you could ever meet. He loved, with all his heart and even more than that. We could sit and listen to the stories he told for hours; he enjoyed making everyone laugh.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Wanda; his children, Terry (Cheri) Gilligan and Lucreita (Cory) Hilton; grandchildren, Brent (Crystal) Gilligan, Tarrah Hawes, Kellinah (Eddie) Melton, Ciarah and Dakota Hilton; great-grandchildren, Haleigh, Hayden, Abbigail, Michael, Aiden, Alaina, and Blake; sisters, Kate (Ned) Kirk and Dixie Bark.

He was predeceased by his parents, 7 brothers and sisters.

Funeral service 2 p.m. Saturday, October 4, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road;Pastor Dave Fredericks officiating. Visitation 6 – 8 p.m. Friday, October 3, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com