Franklin M. Kilgore

Franklin Moyle Kilgore made his final flight into eternity on November 6, 2025, his 92nd birthday.

He is survived by his son Doug Kilgore (Tammy) of North Aurora; daughter Margaret Gargrave (Tom) of Oswego; grandchildren Mike Gargrave (Jessica), Sam Kilgore (Kailey), Josh Kilgore (fiancé Emma Schiessl), Hannah Thorpe (Aaron), Jack Kilgore, and Katie Gargrave; great-grandson Miles Kilgore, as well as brothers Bernard Kilgore (Shirley) and John Kilgore (Christine). He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth (Liz) and eldest son Mark. 

Frank was born to John and Evelyn Kilgore on Nov 6, 1933 in Duluth, Minnesota.  

Growing up in Northern Minnesota, he developed a passion for the outdoors which continued throughout his life. As a boy he played organized hockey and learned to fish with his parents and friends.

He developed an interest in woodworking during his junior high years, often building model airplanes. Later in life he used these skills to make custom furniture. He had an aptitude for all things mechanical, learning from his father John, who was an electrician at the local steel plant in Morgan Park MN. His interest in motors and machines also led him to build a working motorcycle. His wife Liz would often tell others to let Frank take a look, saying, “He can fix anything” when discussing some item that most would consider beyond repair.

After High School graduation from Morgan Park HS (Duluth, MN) in 1951, he attended the University of Minnesota studying engineering for three years. It was there he met Elizabeth Carlson, also from Duluth. They were married in 1956.

While in college, his dream of aviation derailed those engineering plans. In 1953 he joined the Air National Guard learning to fly planes, training at several Air Force bases, including Lackland AFB in Texas, Spence AFB in Georgia, and Williams AFB in AZ. After completing initial training, he was assigned to the Duluth MN Air National Guard, 11th Interceptor Air Defense Squadron, and piloted the F94C Starfire Interceptor.

Frank's military career fell between the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, so he left the National Guard to pursue a career flying for the airlines.

He was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1958 as a flight instructor, but soon left for United Airlines in 1959 for a full flying position. As flight engineer and copilot for United he served on the Caravelle, DC-6, and DC-7. In 1973 he was promoted to Captain, piloting the 737, DC-8 and DC-10. He finished his career as Captain flying the 747-400. His last flight prior to retirement was Sydney Australia to Los Angeles LAX in November 1993, with wife Liz joining him. The LAX fire department celebrated his retirement by spraying water arches over the airplane as he taxied to the gate with the plane full of passengers. This was a common practice during those days of aviation and is still done on occasion to this day. Frank always put safety first and took pride in never scratching an airplane. His gentle and mindful spirit was reflected in his ability to smoothly and safely fly any complex aircraft. 

Frank enjoyed many hobbies including camping, boating, hiking, fixing and building things, reading non-fiction, and admiring God's creation through photography and astronomy. He built a film development lab in his home and spent many years taking pictures and developing, printing and framing his pictures. He was among the first wave of photographers to make the switch away from film to digital and he continued with that until late in his life. Amateur astronomy also helped to fuel his passion for the wonder of the skies. He belonged to several astronomy clubs and built two telescopes at a time when complex mirrors and lenses weren't readily available to the amateur. Both telescopes are still in use by his family today.

Frank and Liz lived most of their years together in Sleepy Hollow, Illinois.  They raised their family there, becoming involved in the First Congregational Church of Dundee, and were enthusiastic supporters of the Dundee Scots Marching Band.  Later in life, they moved to Oak Crest Retirement Community in Dekalb, Illinois.

Frank and Liz enjoyed traveling together. They went to New Zealand to observe a full solar  eclipse, and owned several RVs which they took from coast to coast and as far north as northern Alaska making new friends and visiting old ones. Their favorite place in the world always remained the lake house in Springstead, Wisconsin. That’s where they spent the majority of their time as they slowed down in their later years.

Frank was humble, kind, generous, and respectful.  He was a wonderful conversationalist who made others feel at ease. He loved most any adventure including boating on Lake Superior,d Lake Michigan and ice fishing on lake Nipigon in Ontario. He loved camping and had many family trips including the Tetons, Kentucky Lake, Lake Powell and Canada. He was always ready to camp, canoe, houseboat or just take a cruise across the water to see the other side.  

Frank’s biggest joy in life was his grandchildren. His first arrived in 1994, with the other five arriving over the following five years. He was a hands-on grandpa, always spending as much time as possible with them. He dearly loved vacationing with them from Wisconsin to Costa Rica, enjoying boat rides, campfire cooking, or just watching them explore and learn about life. He took delight in watching his grandkids grow, play sports or just interact with one another.

He was well loved and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by family and friends.

Frank will be cremated with his ashes to be spread to join wife Liz and son Mark. A celebration of his life will be held with family at a time to be determined.

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