Francis Roscoe Tielkemeier , known by many as "Mr.T", and "Grandpa T" to others, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2019 at Presence St. Joseph Nursing Center with family by his side.

Francis was born February 1, 1927 to Alfred and Ada (Pfeil) Tielkemeier at Deaconess Hospital in Freeport. He completed eight grades at Rock City School and then stayed home to help on the family farm. He also helped haul livestock at the Rock City Stockyard when a bit older. As a teenager, he was confirmed as a member of Rock City EUB Church, which later became the Rock City United Methodist Church. He faithfully attended there his entire life, serving in many capacities.

On March 7,1948, he married Doris Zimmerman at St. Paul Church of Eplyanna. They farmed the family farm. Doris and Francis had four children: Shelby, Gary, Nancy, and Carol. As a young man, Francis played softball with the Rock City Nighthawks. He and Doris moved to a farm by Rock Grove in 1952 and raised dairy cows and hogs. Francis loved hunting raccoons, fox, and coyote, and developed many special relationships with those who shared his passion. In later years, that included fishing with his buddies. He also bowled in several men's leagues, and, with his wife, in a couple's league.

After retiring from farming, he and Doris moved to Rock City. Francis started an excavating business, which later became Tielkemeier-Klever Excavating. Morning coffee at the Dew Drop Inn became an important part of his day that brought much bantering and laughter with great friends.

Francis believed in community. He served on the Rock City Village Board, as mayor of Rock City, and as a director of Stephenson County Farm Bureau, as well as Durand State Bank. He was also a member of the Rock Run Historical Society, and, with his wife, managed the Rock City Senior Citizens Apartments for several years. Along with Doris, they were ticket chairmen for the Stephenson County Ag Breakfast. Believing in education, he is a founding member of the Children's Hands On Museum. He and Doris loved watching the Chicago Cubs play, and attending grandchildren's sporting events.

Francis was diagnosed with Alzheimer's on his 90 ^th birthday, and, sadly, began his stay at Presence St. Joseph in May, 2017.

Francis is survived by his wife of almost 71 years, Doris

Daughters:

Shelby (Jim) Bordner of Dakota and their children,

Steve (Danah) Bordner of Chagrin Falls, Ohio and their daughters

Taylor and Reagan

Sarah (Ryan Judd) Bordner of Land O'Lakes, Florida

Scott (Katie) Bordner of Wheaton and their sons Zachary and Wesley

Amy (Jered) While of Marengo and their children Brayden, Paxton,

Paightynn

Kayla (Cole) Miller of Lena

Jamie Brooks of Freeport

Nancy (Gary) Guthrie of Nevada, Iowa  and their son

Eric Guthrie of  Chicago

Carol (Brennan) Kane of San Leandro, California

Sisters: Neva Wilson of Rockford

Sharon (Carl) Wise of Bonne Terre, Missouri

Brother-in-law: Gladwyn Helmeid of Janesville, Wisconsin

and many special nieces and nephews

Half-Sisters: Gayle (Harlan) Boos

Juanita (Greg) Evans

Francis was preceded in death by:

His parents and stepfather Chester Bouray

His son, Gary, in a farming accident

His brothers, Leo and Darrell Tielkemeier

His brothers- and sisters-in law: Delbert Wilson, Gladys Tielkemeier,

Marcella Tielkemeier, Victor and Wilma Folgate, Manley and Marjorie

Richards, Milton and  Mildred Benning, and Grace Helmeid

Brother and Sister-in-law: Wendell and Jennie Zimmerman.

Visitation for Francis will be on March 8 ^th at the Dakota-Rock Grove United Methodist Church from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. His Celebration of Life will be on March 9 ^th at 10:30 a.m. at Dakota-Rock Grove UMC followed by lunch at the Dakota High School Cafeteria (north entrance) Due to on street parking only at the church, a small shuttle bus will run from the high school parking lot (near the north entrance) to the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. and again after the service back to the school. Burial will be in Rock Grove Union Cemetery. The Daughenbaugh Funeral Home of Dakota is assisting his family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for Rock City Park, Rock Run Country Historical Society, and Monroe Hospice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Richardson and Monroe Hospice, Dr. Kara Hofmaster, and the staff of Presence St. Joseph. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com