Franklin "Frank" Deopere

Franklin “Frank” L. Deopere,88, passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, in Camdenton, Missouri. He was born on August 14, 1933 to parents, Cyril & Emma (DeRuyter) Deopere in Silvis, Illinois. Frank married the love of his life, Patricia F. Little on June 25, 1955 in East Moline, Illinois. Frank and Pat soon moved to Sarasota, Florida and then in 1956, the couple returned to the Quad Cities area and later settled in Springfield, Illinois. They shared 53 years of marriage before Pat lost her battle with cancer in 2008. He served his country in the Korean War in the US army. he was a volunteer fireman in Silvis, Illinois and also served on the school board there. Frank retired from AT&T after thirty-four years of service. After retirement, “the snowbirds” split their time between Chatham, Illinois and Leesburg, Florida. He was blessed with many old and new friends with whom he shared great times and countless memories. Frank loved his Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He always enjoyed a good Cub and Cardinal Rivalry and loved to see those “Cubbies” win the world series. He was also an active member of various Homeowner Association boards in Leesburg, Florida. Frank put his heart and soul into each and every project. Frank and Pat loved their children and grandchildren and took great pride in all of their accomplishments. He was preceded in passing by his parents, brother and sister. He is survived by his children, Debbie (Deopere) Wood & husband Dale of Camdenton, Missouri; Bruce & wife Debbie Deopere of Petersburg, Illinois and Vance Deopere of Springfield, Illinois; five grandchildren, Collette (Wood) Palmer & husband Craig, Damon Deopere, Aaron Deopere, Noah & wife Danielle Buerkett and Hannah (Buerkett) Hardcastle & husband Chad. He also leaves behind several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends who will all truly miss him. A Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m., February 25, 2022 at St. Joseph Workers Parish in Chatham, Illinois. Visitation will take place prior to the Mass from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the service and take place in Chatham Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Church in Chatham, Illinois or the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight in Springfield, Illinois. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.