Francis James Mara

Francis James Mara, of La Grange Park, passed from this world on Sunday, November 8, 2020 after 85 years of venturing bravely, successfully, and kindly throughout his life. He was the widow of Lois Mae, the love of his life. They shared 52 years of marriage together.

Born in Riverside, Illinois, he was the son of Frank and Grace Mara. His memories of his childhood were positive and he was happy to share many of those memories. At age 12, he was not only an avid roller skater but taught himself to drive at Grandpa’s farm. Once he refined his driving skills he started working for the family delivery business and in high school bought his first car. . . yes, a high school boy and his car memories! These years were the beginning of Fran’s love of motor vehicles and his many venturing escapades. He learned the importance of dedication to hard work, honor, and determination.

Fran Mara was always active and “on the move”! At 18, he joined the Riverside volunteer fire department and 9 years later transferred to the La Grange Park volunteer fire department. Over his 44 years of venturing within fire service he performed the roles of fire fighter, fire inspector, Emergency Medical Technician, Lieutenant, Captain and became the best vehicle waxer around. He treasured the relationships he made with the men and women of the fire department. When headed to the hospital during covid at 85, he was so happy and calm to get into the ambulance with the paramedics!! The lights and sounds were a remembrance and comfort to him even when he had a 103 fever. Heartwarming were his memories of those he served with.

His training continued early in the Illinois National Guard. He joined with his brother and best buddy, Calvin Mara. They served their country proudly for 4 years together.

On his time off he raced, high-speed hydroplane boats, winning trophies in most races he entered. He ended his passion after 8 years of racing as one of the top 3 racers in the nation in his racing class. He became an expert boat engine mechanic giving him the edge for speed racing and paving the way for his love of toys that had engines.

He was an intelligent, business entrepreneur starting at Pepperidge Farm Bread with a distributorship and following with a Pepperidge Farm Cookie distributorship. He serviced all businesses in the territory from Lyons, Il westward to Dekalb, Il. Because of Fran’s incredible work ethic and a love of this career, he successfully grew his business for 50 years and became known as one of the most successful distributors in the Pepperidge Farm World and the “cookie man” to his friends.

As his business grew his hobbies grew. He was a self-taught carpenter, could fix and maintain most engines, was an avid gardener, and later in life, a soft and loving caregiver to Lois Mae. He loved to travel and always appreciated this beautiful country. He drove his motorhome thru (or visited) all 50 states with his family roaming from the shores of Maine, the back country of Colorado peaks, to Denali National Park. He paddled his canoe thru the boundary water canoe area, biked and walked miles of trails in the Midwest, drove mini-bikes wherever he could, and kayaked or boated on lakes and oceans.

One of his favorite places was the Florida Keys. As a “snowbird” he was part of an active community of close friends that he cherished. There he was a scuba dive master, boat master, fisherman, dancer, horseshoe thrower, kayaker, friend, father, grandfather, and beach bum.

Another favorite place he frequented was White Lake, Wisconsin where his rich history with his cousins, brother, nieces, nephews, aunt, uncle, family and friends was so special to him that White Lake was a second home to him. He spent his days on the beach with his family, camping, water skiing, riding Honda trail 70’s, snowmobiling, ice skating in the winter, cooking and bringing family and friends together around the campfire in the summer evenings.

His love of classic cars was always a major part of his later years. He was a member of the Salt Creek Model A Club when he wasn’t traveling. He was often spotted driving his model A or his 1957 T-bird around the suburbs of Chicago. He spoke fondly about his car club friends, participating in car shows, and driving the grandkids in 4th of July parades.

The center of Fran’s world was his family. He was a proud husband, an amazing father and wonderful grandfather. He is loved dearly and survived by his 2 daughters, Tamara Mara Rasmussen and Kimberly Irene Samuels and his 4 grandchildren, Gavin Francis Rasmussen, Jasmine Samuels, Kayla Samuels, Capri Samuels, his brother, Calvin Mara, his brother-in-laws , Bill Wall and Ken Headley, all his nephews and nieces, cousins and his friend and caregiver Maria. He was predeceased by Lois Mae, Nancy, Wilma, Charlie and Thomas. He enriched all of their lives in some special way with his unconditional love, kindness, generosity, guidance, laughter, fun, honesty and as a participating member of the community. He was a wise-man, a mentor to us all.

We will remember Fran for living a genuine life. His smile, his yellow sunglasses, his laughter, his whistling, his gentleness, and love of daily living continue to rest in our hearts and continue to inspire us. His grit and curiosity while venturing has in some way inspired us and will continue to guide us through the rest of our lives. We loved him and he loved us more. His loving spirit, in some large or small way, is a part of you.

The graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 1:00pm at Chapel Hill Gardens West at 17 W 201 East Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Il 60181. We will meet in the main building between 12:45pm and 1:00 pm and walk together to the graveside.

To view more remembrance announcements:

1. On Facebook search: La Grange Park Fire History Fire Station . . .

Francis J Mara. Posted Sat, Nov 14, 2020. There are pictures

2. From Salt Creek Model A Club: The Starter