Frank J Summers, 82, of Elgin, passed away on July 27, 2024. He was known for his ability to fix anything, his love of kids, of which he was a big one himself, and his love of community.
He was born in Chicago, IL on August 13, 1942 to Frank Jay Summers and Eleanor May Agnew who lived in communities on the southside of Chicago, including Roseland. He was affectionately known as “Butch” by his four siblings, of which he was the youngest. He enjoyed playing in his parent’s greenhouse business and with his dog, “Happy”. He was a rambunctious kid and a trickster. While living in Roseland, in his teen years, a neighbor who lived above the bakery caught his eye. This was Georgean Liebentritt, who later became his wife and together they had 3 children: Gene, Sue and Mike. They first lived in Pullman and later were proud to own their home in Richton Park, IL. While in Richton Park, he coached Gene’s baseball team the “Twins” (league champs) and organized and played in street hockey games on Windsor Ct. He enjoyed socializing with the neighbors/friends on the block. He built up his home and yard: He won the best lawn contest in Richton Hills.
He attended Chicago Vocational High School. He worked at L. Karp and Sons for 30 years, later at Westminster Christian School in Elgin, and various other businesses. For each of these jobs he organized, repaired things, cleaned and because of his likeable nature became part of these communities.
He met Mary in 1980 and said he knew she was the one, when she spilled her wine on their first date. Excited to start their new lives, the two were married and he became stepfather to Eric and Tia. He enriched their lives with love, fun and joy at their home in Elgin and created a beautiful garden.
His favorite role was that as “Papa” to Aaron, Tieg, Alex, Grace, Luke, Nolan, Eden, Garrett and Harrison. He loved joking and playing his games with them, never failing to evoke an “oh,papa”.
He was an active member at Wesley United Methodist and later Journey of Hope Church. Also, he loved being a Member of Kiwanis and volunteering at All People’s Interfaith Pantry in Elgin.
He was passionate about woodworking, car mechanics, refurbishing slot and pinball machines and just fixing things. He was a lifelong Elvis Presley fan and enjoyed visiting Graceland. He loved Chicago sports and playing baseball as a kid and adult in a senior league.
Frank is survived by his children; Gene (former daughter-in-law, Chris) Summers, Sue (Jeff) Stuart, Mike (Anora) Summers; stepdaughter, Tia (Ryan) Carroll; his cherished grandchildren; Tieg & Aaron (Summers), Alex (engaged to Namyr), Grace & Luke (Stuart), and Garrett & Harrison (Summers), Nolan and Eden (Carroll). He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents, Frank and Eleanor Summers; mother-in-law, Pauline Schutt; his siblings; former wife, Georgean Summers and stepson, Eric West.
Visitation will be on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 10:30 until the time of the service at 11:30 am all at Journey of Hope Church in Elgin. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Journey of Hope Church, Elgin or All People's Interfaith Pantry https://www.elgincoopministry.com/food-pantries
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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I see you smiling Frank, holding Mary’s hand, whole and healthy my friend.
Sending my very deepest sympathy and prayers for the passing of Uncle Butch (my Dad was his brother Gene). May your memories bring you comfort at this sad time.
Uncle Butch, you lived an incredible life! I wish that we were more a part of it. The Facebook Friend Request from me is still pending. I’ll leave it there! Rest Peacefully! Let my Dad, Gene, know prayers are being sent to you all. To the Summers Family, sincerest condolences for your profound loss. 🙏🏻