Franklin Jan Havlicek Sr.

Franklin Jan Havlicek Sr., 85, of Harvard, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on June 24th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family and lifelong friends.

He was born May 20th, 1938, in Cicero, IL, the son of Frank and Ann Havlicek.

Franklin “Buchta” Havlicek graduated from Morton West High School in Berwyn, IL in 1956. After graduation, he joined the United States Army Special Forces Group, otherwise known as a Green Beret. He was proud to serve his country. He was also a member of the NRA, the American Legion, the State Line Pistol League and the Columbia International Combat Pistol Club. Franklin was a very knowledgeable man and the stories he shared were always educational and intriguing. He worked many years in Harvard in the meat department at National T before relocating his family to Withee, WI where he and his wife were the proud owners of a tavern, Black River Pub, until they decided to go back to Harvard to finish raising their children. Franklin then obtained his certificate through the Illinois Department of Agriculture and became a meat inspector for the state of Illinois, traveling to different meat packaging plants until retiring in 2004.

Franklin was a proud father, husband and grandfather. He met his wife, Nancy, on Price Lake in Phillips, WI one Fourth of July weekend in 1962. They were then married on November 17th, 1962, and shared these last 61 years together. When his children were little, he enjoyed spending time with them and his wife by taking trips up north to the family cabin, going out to the movies or out for ice cream. He also loved to take his family for Sunday drives to pick wild asparagus and mushrooms. Franklin’s knowledge and passion for the outdoors were passed on to his children. Franklin and Nancy raised their children to be strong, compassionate and hard-working adults. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; sons Franklin Havlicek Jr and John (Audrey) Havlicek; daughters Sheri Havlicek, Nadine (Rick) Peterson and Janine (James) Edwards; daughter in-law Kristi Havlicek, 16 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Edward James Bennett Havlicek in 2018, oldest daughter, and Mindy Sue Havlicek in 2019.

Visitation will be held 4 – 7 PM Wed., June 28, 2023 at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033. Funeral services will follow at 7 PM. Internment will be privately held at Mt Auburn Cemetery in Harvard, IL at a later date where he can join his beloved son and daughter at rest.

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