Frank Alderson

RRP1661781_20091202, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Good Morning Buckles Wanted to let everyone know of the passing of Father Frank Alderson of Rochelle, Illinois. Circus Fan and humorous extraordinaire. For the many that knew him they we fortunate to have their lives enriched with experiences of his whit and humor. A great friend of the Circus and a wonderfull friend that will be missed by all that were honored to know him. So if you remember him raise your glass of Scotch to him and light up a cigar in his honor. Ralph from Baraboo REV. FRANK C. ALDERSON, 92 ROCHELLE - The Rev. Frank C. Alderson, 92, resident of Rochelle since 1973, died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, in Rochelle Rehab and Health Care Center. Born March 2, 1917, in Streator, the son of Arthur and Lelia Sopher Alderson. He attended schools in Streator and also Terre Haute, Ind. He graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y., and from there went on to Seabury Western Seminary in Evanston, to study for the Episcopal priesthood. He was ordained a priest on Dec. 1, 1946. At a relatively young age, he became the rector of St. Mark's, Evanston, one of the largest and most prestigious churches in the Diocese of Chicago. He later served a church in Sterling, Colo., before returning to Chicago and leaving the priesthood to work in business. During this time, he worked in the personnel departments for such companies as Pure Oil, Follett Publishing, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield and Easter Seal. In the early 1970s, Father Alderson returned to the priesthood and accepted a call to St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Rochelle. He served there until his retirement in the 1980s. His retirement years were very active with travel and time spent with friends. Father Alderson was a lifelong circus fan and was known by many in the circus family of owners and performers. He proudly drove around with his CIRCUS 1 license plate. He also served as chaplain to the Rochelle Fire Department for many years, and truly enjoyed his time with "the boys." Father will be remembered by all who knew him as a gregarious, fun-loving "character." For much of his life, he loved cigars, scotch, and regaling friends with many humorous stories. As he often said of himself, he lived a good and full life. Survived by nephew, Richard (Cindy) Alderson of San Dimas, Calif.; great- nieces, Colleen Alderson and Jennifer Hodges; great-great- nephew, Jack Lagasse; and niece by marriage, Carolyn Alderson. Predeceased by parents and brother, George Alderson. Service at noon Saturday, Dec. 5, in St. Bride's Episcopal Church, 1000 W. Rt. 64, Oregon, with The Rt. Rev. Victor Scantlebury presiding, assisted by Father Robert Cristobal. Visitation from 10 a.m. Saturday to time of service in the church. Burial in St. Bride's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to The Order of St. Anne Convent, 1125 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610; St. Bride's Episcopal Church; or the Rochelle Fire Department, 401 Fifth Ave., Rochelle, IL 61068. Arrangements by Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon. For more information, visit farrellhollandgale.com.