Elizabeth A. Kilgore

Elizabeth Ann (Liz) Kilgore, 88, was born in Duluth, Minnesota on December 26, 1934 and passed away March 18, 2023 in Dekalb, Illinois.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years Franklin Kilgore, sons Mark and Doug (wife Tammy), daughter Margaret Gargrave (husband Tom), grandchildren Mike Gargrave (fiancée Jessica Heredia), Sam Kilgore (wife Kailey), Josh Kilgore, Hannah Gargrave (fiancé Aaron Thorpe), Jack Kilgore, Katie Gargrave, and great grandson Miles Kilgore. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Elmira Carlson, and her sister Joan Fredericks (husband Joe) of Delhi New York.

Liz grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota. After earning her degree in Education, she worked as a teacher in the Minneapolis school district. In 1958, she and Frank moved to Long Island, New York where Frank began his career as an airline pilot. After several years they moved to Dundee, Illinois where they raised their family. They were active members of the Dundee Scots Band Boosters and longtime members of The First Congregational Church of Dundee. They eventually moved to Dekalb, Illinois, where she spent her final years living at Oak Crest Retirement Community.

Liz loved people, listening to their stories and learning about their lives. She enjoyed volunteering and donating to various organizations whose missions were to help others. She had a special heart for giving. She spent her free time teaching English as a Second Language at the community college in Elgin, Illinois, volunteering at thrift shops, animal shelters, community events, and libraries. She loved gardening, birding, swimming, and spending summers at their second home in northern Wisconsin. Her passions included reading, hiking, watching sunsets, and always enjoying a glass of sun tea.

She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, cooking family dinners, and turning picnics into adventures. One of her favorite trips was taking her entire family to Costa Rica and ziplining in the jungle. She and Frank also enjoyed camping and traveling all over the U.S. in their motorhome.

Private family services will be held for her this summer at two of her favorite places in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Any donations may be directed to your favorite charity.