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Frank Closen Obituary
PEKIN - Major Frank James Closen, 62, of 911 Hamilton St., Apt. No. 3, passed away at 2:40 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at his residence surrounded by family and friends.
He was born Nov. 2, 1949, in Peoria to Frederick Melvin and Violet Joan (Heslin) Closen. His parents preceded him in death.
He also was preceded in death by his daughter, Holly Closen-Otey; one sister, Sue Wissel; one brother, David "Buzz" Closen; and two infant brothers.
Surviving are two daughters, Heather (Josh) Heeren of Pensacola, Fla., and Kristen (Nick) Copeland of Pekin; seven grandchildren; three brothers, Jerry Closen of Pekin, Lucky Closen and John (Barb) Closen, both of Peoria; and one sister, Mary (Wayne) Seelye of Pekin. He also leaves one aunt and several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.
Frank was a graduate of Limestone Community High School, Class of 1967. He went on to earn his Master's degree from Troy State University.
Frank enjoyed playing horseshoes and pool with his family and friends. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He also enjoyed skydiving, competing in triathalons with his two daughters and playing sports like baseball and basketball, but his passion in life was the military.
Frank proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1995. During his military career, he served as a Green Beret with the 5th Special Forces Group as well as a commander in the 82nd Airborne Division. A few of his many military accomplishments include serving on the Son Tay Raid during the Vietnam War, Multinational Peacekeeping Force to the Sanai Desert, Grenada Invasion and Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Among some of the military medals he earned were Silver Star, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal and many more, too numerous to list.
His funeral Mass will be at noon Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father James Pankiewicz will officiate. Visitation will be from to 9 to 11:15 a.m. prior to the Mass on Saturday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin, where military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Frank Closen Memorial Fund in care of CEFCU, 3515 Court St., Pekin, IL 61554, to be donated to a military organization of the family's choice.
Frank will be missed dearly and will always be an American hero to everyone who knew him.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Closen
Kristina Hamm
January 17, 2022
We'll miss you Uncle Frank, you'll forever be our hero.
Billy Ellis
November 26, 2018
I thought of Frank because November 21 was the 48th anniversary of the Son Tay Raid. Frank and I served together in Detachment A in Berlin in 1978 as well as in the late 80s. I am sorry I missed Franks passing as I was out of country and have been traveling, cruising on our sailboat, for the last 6 years. De Oppresso Libra! RIP
Ken Browning
August 3, 2012
RIP
Stan Moore
July 27, 2012
Served with Frank in 5th SF Group back in 76-78. An excellent NCO who set high standards and encouraged the rest of us. So long, Frank, see you on the next mission!
Jennifer Carlyle
July 27, 2012
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this time of sorrow.
C.B. "Cork" Motsett
July 27, 2012
I remember Frank well. He was a fine soldier and an excellent warrior.
Frank was the model Special Forces trooper; profeassional, disciplined and passionate about his mission.
He will be greatly missed for the experience, wisdom and Chriastian charecter this generation of SF and Special Operations warriors could benefit from.
Frank and his family are in my prayers.
Scott Tarpley
July 27, 2012
RIP Frank. D. O. L.
Jonathan Bayne
July 27, 2012
I salute your fallen veteran. My deepest condolences for your loss and gratitude for your loved one's service to our country.
David Closen
July 26, 2012
RIP Uncle Frank, I look forward to saluting you in the future and dont worry you will always outrank me.
Stacy Sullivan
July 26, 2012
We will miss you Uncle Frank!
Terry Summers
July 26, 2012
De Oppresso Liber Brother! RIP Trooper!
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