Francis Leo Wilhelm

Francis "Frank" Wilhelm, age 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Symphony of Evanston Nursing Home on November 8, 2021. He was the son of Matilda Wilhelm, beloved husband and companion of Deena Wilhelm, and the loving father of David (Karen Rasco) Wilhelm, Anita Wilhelm, and Laura Wilhelm. After serving in the U.S. Navy in WWII, he attended the University of Illinois where he met his future wife Deena Levin, and earned his Master's Degree in vocational testing and guidance. He spent the majority of his working life in Chicago with the Illinois Department of Public Aid. He was born in Kansas City, MO and in spite of a difficult childhood in foster care, he approached life with a joie de vivre that endeared him to many. His greatest passion in life was international folk dancing, but he also loved square dancing, round dancing, and could dance a mean polka. Other hobbies included foreign languages, history, current events, wine collecting, and writing poetry, fiction, and a memoir about his childhood. A private memorial was held by the family. Arrangements were made through Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home.