Francis F. Sibenaller

Francis Frederick Sibenaller, 91, passed away peacefully June 8, 2014, at Alden of Waterford in Aurora, Illinois. He was born June 16, 1922 to Peter Frederick Sibenaller and Helen Besch Sibenaller. He was married to Elizabeth (Jacobs) Sibenaller who preceded him in death after 35 years of marriage. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Jane Mason, Peoria, Arizona; brothers, Robert (Dorothy), Walter (Mary), Richard (Pat), and Jerome (Jean); and his sister, Dorothy (Bart) Mahoney. He is survived by seven children, Henry (Jane) Sibenaller, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Joan (Ed) Retterer, Montgomery, Illinois, Peter (Lauren) Sibenaller, Vancouver, Washington, Rose (Clint) Maxey, Lewiston, Idaho, John (Nancy), Naperville, Illinois, Diane, Peoria, Arizona, Barbara (Dave) Smith, Elburn, Illinois; son-in-law, Dale Mason, Peoria, Arizona; and one sister, Marianne (Joseph) Reier, Aurora, Illinois. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. Francis was a life-long resident of Aurora, and the Pigeon Hill neighborhood of the City. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and East Aurora High School. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he was a past member of the choir and served on the present church’s building committee. A World War II Army veteran, he served as a first lieutenant while stationed on the west coast of the United States, New Guinea, the Philippines and Japan. Shortly after his 90th birthday he was proud to fly to Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight. Francis worked in the building trades as a skilled carpenter, tile and flooring installer, eventually retiring from Aurora Federal Savings as building superintendent, housing appraiser and new construction supervisor. He was one of the founders of the Lehnertz Avenue Christmas Light Display and a member and officer of many clubs and organizations including Phoenix, Luxembourger, Knights of Columbus, Loyal Order of the Moose and VFW. For nearly 50 years he was a member of the Aurora Lamplighter Barbershop Chorus and the Ol’ Styles Quartet with which he competed in statewide competitions. Up until a month before his death he was an avid and competitive bridge player as a member of the Aurora 16 and Holy Angels bridge groups, among others. He also enjoyed teaching bridge to the residents of Alden Gardens Assisted Living Facility where he resided. Over his lifetime, Francis was an accomplished harmonica player, photographer, hunter, bowler, pool player, golfer, fisherman and gardener. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13 at the DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora. 630-631-5500. A Liturgical Wake Service will be at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Services will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14 at the mortuary, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 722 High Street, Aurora, IL with the Rev. Jerry Leake officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Please visit www.daleidenmortuary.com to leave condolences for Francis’ family or to sign the guest book. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to S.B.E.P.S.Q.S.A. Barbershop Organization, Aurora Chapter, and 468 Crane St., Aurora, IL 60505 or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 722 High Street, Aurora, IL 60505.

Francis F. Sibenaller

June 16, 1922 - June 8, 2014