Francis “Frank” Joseph Elser, Jr. was born the son of Francis Joseph Elser, Sr. and Louise Ellinger Elser on October 7, 1933, in Peoria, Illinois, and departed this life January 23, 2018, at his home in Cherokee Village, Arkansas, at the age of 84 years.
He was united in marriage to Eleanor Boone. He later was united in marriage on May 31, 1995, at Lewiston, Illinois, to Muriel Standley Wade.
He is survived by his wife, Muriel Elser of the home in Cherokee Village, Arkansas; two children, Frank A. Elser and wife, Julie of East Peoria, Illinois, and Karen Faris and husband, Richard of Wausau,Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Walker Elser, Blaine Elser, Zachary Traenkenschuh, and Alicia Moore; one great-grandchild, Markis Traenkenschuh; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Louise Elser; one daughter, Cheryl Elser; and one sister, Pauline Holligan.
Mr. Elser proudly served his country in the United States Army.
He was employed as an electrician for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, Illinois, retiring after forty-four years of service.
Frank enjoyed boating, hunting, camping, fishing and watching football games.
He was a Christian and of the Lutheran faith.
He will truly be missed by his family and many friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Ted Standley officiating.
Services are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.