Richard "Leo" McGrain

1938 - 2022

Richard "Leo" McGrain
Born: March 20, 1938 in Waukegan, IL
Died: December 4, 2022 in Franklin Grove, IL
Richard "Leo" McGrain, age 84 of Franklin Grove, Il. passed away at home, following a long illness on December 4th, 2022, with family by his side. He was surrounded by everything he loved.
Leo was born the first day of Spring, March 20th, 1938, in Waukegan, IL, to Francis and Kathleen (Duffy) McGrain. Leo grew up in Waukegan, IL graduating from Glen Flora grade school. Moving then to Dekalb, IL he graduated from Dekalb High School in 1956. He married the love of his life, Jean Vorhis of Dixon, IL, on August 22nd, 1964, in Sycamore IL. Leo began his electrical career as an apprentice in 1959 working for Mascal Electric of Dekalb IL. Moving to Antioch, IL, in 1968, he and his wife raised their 4 sons. Leo's lifelong love of sports and wanting to see his own sons involved, influenced him to form the Antioch Vikings Jr. Tackle Football Program, in 1970. With the help of many, it got off the ground and remains a success today, some fifty years later. Leo was a forever Chicago Bears and Cubs fan and especially enjoyed attending many local sports events in the surrounding towns, where he lived.
Leo loved to laugh. He was an avid reader, a loyal friend and enjoyed the many friendships made on the golf course. He loved to pheasant and duck hunt, taking several trips out West and to Canada. Leo was a member of the Winchester Hunt Club for many years, with his English Pointer dog "Blu". He enjoyed family gatherings and riding around in his Cutlass convertible.
Leo was an active member of IBEW for 40 years. After retirement, Leo helped build a home where he and his wife, would retire to, in Franklin Grove, IL. He became a Purple Martin bird enthusiast and enjoyed the birds coming annually to nest in gourds he set up around his pond.
He is survived by his wife Jean, of 58 years; sons Don (Michele) McGrain, Brian McGrain, Matt (Debra) McGrain, Mike McGrain; sister Pat Schmitz, brothers David McGrain and Jim McGrain; grandchildren Megan (Shaun) McLarty, Stephanie (Jake) Johnston, Michael McGrain, Casey (Katie) McGrain, Jake McGrain, Abby McGrain and Elijah McGrain; 2 great-grandchildren; several nieces and a nephew.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother Helen (Geckler) McGrain, brother William McGrain, infant son, Michael S. McGrain, and stepfather, John J. Pomazal.
The family wishes to thank the staff, volunteers, and Chaplain Dave Rogula, of Serenity Hospice and Home for their care, compassion, prayers, and support.
The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 12:45 PM. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of service at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon Il with Chaplain Dave Rogula officiating. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon Il. Interment to be private.
For those desiring, a memorial has been established to Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.