Lt. Frank William Fouts, V

With a life dedicated to serving others, Lt. Frank William Fouts, V was a remarkable man who loved life and gave it his all every day. He was a jack of all trades who was extremely hard working and a perfectionist to boot. Those who knew Frank knew that the sun rose and set with his wife and children, and that he did his very best to serve as a role model to the sons who will follow in his footsteps. Although Frank was a man of great strength, his heart was as gentle and compassionate as they come, a truly selfless man who would do anything for anyone whenever he could. With what would seem to be a lifetime of moments ahead of him, Frank’s bright flame was extinguished much too soon.

The seventies were a time that few Americans will forget. It was a time when America experienced some growing pains with the increasing disillusionment of government and advances in civil rights while our nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War continued to divide our nation. It was during this same time that Frank and Bettina (Tarquinio) Fouts, IV welcomed the birth of their son, Frank William, V, on October 29, 1972. Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Frank deeply admired his maternal grandparents who were an active part of his upbringing. He shared a relationship with his brother Jason that can be quite typical for brothers. Although Frank would chase his brother down the street just to hit him at times, he loved his brother very much and the pair shared a special relationship. He attended local schools and worked as an honor caddy at the Flossmoor Country Club. After graduating from Bloom Trail High School, he went on to earn a BA in fire science from Southern Illinois University.

With his education behind him, Frank was a firefighter/paramedic with the Kankakee City Fire Department and the Firefighters Local 653. He loved and respected everyone on the force and thought of them as his family. It was his work that paved the way for his introduction to the woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Kathy Benoit and they met at the Riverside Medical Center emergency room where she worked as an RN. A romance blossomed between them and some time later, it was obvious to Frank that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. With the intention of asking for her permission to marry her daughter, Frank went to speak to Kathy’s mother, Marge. After an hour of telling Marge how much he loved Kathy and all the plans he had for their lives together, Frank finally mustered up enough courage to ask the burning question. Permission was granted and the couple was united in marriage on September 10, 2006, at the Bennett Curtis House in Grant Park. Just three months after they were married, Kathy suffered a stroke. Frank took time off work to take care of her. He drove with his two year old everyday up to Chicago to see her and care for her at the hospital. His great love for Kathy was never more apparent than when he was tenderly caring for her as she recovered.

Nothing could have thrilled the couple more than being blessed with two sons, Frank (Grant) William, VI and Parker Edmund. Frank fully immersed himself into his role as a father and was a big part of his sons’ lives. Once or twice a week he and Grant would have a boys night when Grant didn’t have a bedtime and stayed up way too late. Together father and son ate pizza and watched crazy shows, making memories that have become priceless treasures. Frank had big plans to go fishing with Grant, but it didn’t really matter what they were doing according to Grant, just that he was with his daddy. Grant was his father’s shadow who loved helping his dad with various project around the house and yard. Frank was so proud of Parker and always said he was the best baby, especially because he said “dada” first! Together Frank and Kathy owned Fouts Property Management in Kankakee. As a couple they had been through so much at their young age, but their enduring love always saw them through.

There were so many things that made Frank such a remarkable man and for which he will be remembered. He thought he could cook, although that was up for debate. Frank was so proud of his homemade pizza, but didn’t quite know what went wrong when he tried to make mashed potatoes. He just couldn’t get them to mash right, although they wouldn’t because he didn’t cook them! Frank was hard working and self motivated with his “to do” list always nearby. He was kind and giving, never able to say no to anyone.

Lt. Frank William Fouts, V was dedicated to his family, his friends, and the community he served. He was loving, compassionate, and truly proud of the family he shared with the love of his life. Frank’s mother was so proud of who her son became as well, overcoming countless obstacles along the way. He could wake everyone up in the firehouse with his snoring and was a great cook, if only in his own mind. With an insatiable zest for life, Frank took each moment captive and lived it to its fullest. His hard work, unending dedication, and overflowing generosity will be forever cherished by all those he leaves behind. Frank’s memory will be held near and dear to the hearts of those who were privileged to know such an extraordinary man.

Lt. Frank William Fouts, V of Bourbonnais passed away at his home July 1, 2010. Frank’s family includes his wife, Kathy and their children of Bourbonnais; mother, Bettina Fouts of Manteno; father, Frank William Fouts, IV (Gayle)of Grant Park; brother, Jason (Carrie) Fouts of Lockport; half sisters, Jessica Fouts and Rebecca Fouts of Grant Park; sister-in-law, Jodie (Dino) Giannakopoulos of Bourbonnais; brother-in-law, Daniel Benoit of Chicago; brother-in-law, Jason Benoit of Naples, FL; mother-in-law and father- in-law, Margie and Jim Tofte of Bourbonnais; brother-in-law, Jim Tofte of Kankakee; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tracy (Tony) Jennings of Bloominton; nieces and nephews, Jared Tofte, Tyler Fouts, Julia Fouts, Macy Jennings, Teddy Giannakopoulos, Alex Giannakopoulos; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Frank was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Betty and Edmund Tarquinio and paternal grandparents, Frank William Fouts, III and Geraldine Fox. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley, July 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Father Anthony Nugent will officiate. A time for friends and family to gather will be held at the Kankakee Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes, July 5, 2010 from 2-9:00 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Frank William Fouts, V Memorial Fund for his children.