Obituary of Francis Pirc

Francis R. Pirc "Frank" "Plan your work and work your plan." That's the motto by which Frank Pirc lived his life. Born in Joliet in 1939, Frank was the third child in a set of four. A graduate of Catholic High, he went on to join the U.S. Army in 1958, and was stationed in Germany in the same unit as Elvis. But Frank's real dream was owning his own business, and he worked hard to achieve it. Starting as a stock boy at A&P, he moved up through the ranks at Jewel, and in 1976, opened Frank's Country Store and Garden Center in Channahon. At first, he rented just a section of the building on Route 6, but quickly took over the entire thing. Then in 1984, another dream was realized, when he built his own store just across the overpass. His one-stop-shop concept was his pride, but the people who came in were his real joy, and his workers became a second family. At home, "Butch" was a loving husband to Maureen. The two were married in 1963, and were the proud parents of Laurie, Joe and Kim. He encouraged them always to "keep smiling:" and he was the one who usually brought those smiles, with a joke or silly face - his sense of humor, and good humor, was endless. Frank sold the store in 2004, but soon found his days to be quite full again, with the arrival of his four grandchildren: Jack, Hope, Abby and Sawyer. They brightened his every day, and in turn, adored their Papa. He was truly the sunshine of the family, and his light will be missed. Frank died Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the age of 76. He wanted to thank all of the customers who came into the store throughout the years, and share his appreciation for all who sent prayers and good thoughts his way. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen; his daughter, Laurie; his brother, Donald; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law. Survived by his wife, Maureen (Jackson) Pirc; son, Joe (Amy) Pirc of Highland Park; daughter, Kim (Mike McSteen) Pirc of Plainfield; grandchildren, Jackson, Hope, Abigail and Sawyer; sisters, Dorothy (Edward-deceased) Briscoe of Downers Grove and Carol (Robert-deceased) Mason of Woodbridge, VA; brothers-in-law, Marty Jackson of Countryside and George Jackson of Coal City; sisters-in-law, Mary Jackson and Bern (nee Marchando) Pirc, both of Joliet; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Visitation for Frank Pirc will be held Sunday, January 10, 2016 from 1-6 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 11, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home to the Church of St. Jude for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to St. Baldrick's Foundation at www.stbaldricks.org would be appreciated.