Obituary of Mark Phelan

Mark J. Phelan Age 47, of Ransom and formerly of the Charleston and Toledo, IL area, passed away Tuesday August 20, 2013 at the Morris Hospital from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born May 31, 1966 in Streator, IL to Margaret "Peg" and Paul Phelan and was raised in Ransom, IL attending Ransom Grade School and graduating with the class of 1984 from Dwight High School. He was the beloved son of Peg (nee Leake) and Paul Phelan of Ransom; loving brother of John (Kathy) of Seneca, IL, the late Mary Kruger and his twin, Matt (Fiancee Becki) of Ransom. Proud uncle of Elizabeth (James) Depew of Shelbyville, IL, Katharine (Steve) Kinzler of Morris, IL and Andrew Kruger of Waxahachie, TX. Dear great uncle of Jeremiah Depew and Zak Kinzler. Also surviving are three uncles, Edward J. (Barbara) Phelan of Joliet, IL, Luke (Judy) Phelan of Maumee, Ohio and Leo J. Phelan of Joliet; one aunt, Anne (James) McGowan of Bloomington, IL. and many cousins. He will also be missed by his canine companion, "Jacque". Preceded in death by his grandparents and his sister. Mark was employed for several years with the Farm Bureau, primarily in Coles County, although most recently, upon returning to Ransom, had been working in retail for Ace Hardware. He received an associates degree in Horse Science from Blackhawk East College leading to showing Arabian Horses for a short time before returning to school and attaining a bachelor degree in Agriculture from Illinois State University in Bloomington. Mark enjoyed life and despite the turn of events on Tuesday, his family finds solace in knowing he lived his to the fullest. Among his hobbies were travel, scuba diving, running, bicycling, horses and being outdoors (at least during the summer months). Funeral services for Mark J. Phelan will be held Saturday August 24, 2013 at Sacred Heart Church 219 Emmett St, Kinsman, IL 60437, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. John Hornicak officiating. Interment to follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Ransom, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mark's name can be made to the Seneca Fire Department EMS or the Morris Hospital. Visitation Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Dr., Morris For Information: (815) 942-5040 www.fredcdames.com