Racine – Frank James Feil, Jr., age 87, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Manor Care in Kenosha.
Frank was born in Racine on September 17, 1926 to the late Frank Sr. and Catherine (nee: Kropp) Feil. Following graduation from Washington Park High School in 1944, Frank enlisted with the US Navy. He served in the South Pacific aboard the destroyer USS Braine, which endured two kamikaze strikes during the Battle of Okinawa.
Upon return to the United States, Frank went on to attend University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he graduated with degrees in business and law. He served as Racine County Assistant District Attorney for 4 years, Racine County Court Commissioner for over 25 years and was a longtime member of the Wisconsin & Racine Legal Bar Associations. Frank enjoyed practicing law in the Racine community for over 50 years with the law firm of Morrissey & Feil.
On August 2, 1958, Frank was united in marriage with Ada (nee: Hanley) Feil. Sadly, Ada passed away young on November 11, 1963. Years later, Frank married Joan M. (nee: Brenner) Feil on July 22, 1989. Frank was a longtime member of the Navy Club of Racine Ship 60, VFW Post 1391, American Legion Post 310, and La Societe des Quarente Hommes et Huit Chevaux 40/8 (the Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses) Locale 497. Frank was an avid reader, enjoyed political discussions and stayed active biking and boating. Above all, Frank was happiest when in the surroundings of his entire family.
Surviving are his wife, Joan; daughters, Elizabeth (husband, Douglas Chapman) Feil, Marilyn (husband, Mike McCabe) Feil and Rachel Feil; grandchildren, Aurora, Layne, Quinn and Frank Chapman; and Casey McCabe; brothers-in-law, Eugene (Lonnie) Perrelle and Jack Burant; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and first wife, Frank was preceded in death by his brother, Bernard Feil; and sisters, Mary Ann Perrelle and Cathie Burant.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Avenue, on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 10:00 am with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday evening (TONIGHT) from 5:00 – 8:00 pm (there will not be visitation in the church on Saturday morning). In lieu of flowers, memorials to Foundation for Religious Retirement or Salvation Army have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the staff of Manor Care in Kenosha – especially to the South Wing, Mary, Jean & Laquada for all the compassionate care and support extended over the past four years. May God bless all of you!
Sue Barbian says
Frank was a good man. He lived 82 years as an a good, active, healthy, productive person. That is a great legacy.
Even the last few years after his accident, on his good days, he would give me pep talks if I was having a bad day. One day he told me, “You have to take the good with the bad.” “Most people are basically good.” I think these are ideas Frank carried through his life.
He was a good man.
Karen DeMint says
Joan,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I am holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
With my deepest sympathy,
Karen
Beth Scalzo says
Joan,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you through Manor Care where I often chatted with you while I was visiting my grandmother, Anne Morrison. I wish you and your family all the best. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Beth Scalzo