“As the old story goes...” Dan J. Phelan went to heaven on May 10, 2026 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.
Dan was born September 15th, 1947 to the late Mary Rita and Jim Phelan. He graduated from Peotone High School class of ‘65, and he married Lynne Gast on September 12th, 1970 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manhattan, Illinois. Dan was in the United States Army Reserves, retired from the Laborers Local Union 75, but he was born a farmer and continued to farm all his life. His passion was growing pumpkins for his granddaughter Shay. Dan was a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Church in Wilton Center, was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who never knew a stranger.
He is survived by his wife Lynne of 55 years; five children: Mike (Cindy) Phelan, Margie Phelan (Eric Foerster), Julie (Jim) Molidor, Kevin (Tara) Phelan and Brian (Amilyn) Phelan; his grandchildren: James, Toby, Maggie and Shay; brothers and sister: Bill (Georgia) Phelan, Mary (Mike) Lappe, and Ed (Judy) Phelan; and several nieces and nephews.
Dan was preceded in death by his son and daughter: Margaret and Joseph; mom and dad: Mary Rita and Jim Phelan, brother Jerry Phelan, sister-in-law Vicky Phelan, and niece Theresa Osburn.
The family received friends at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 14, 2026 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 14936 West Wilmington-Peotone Road, at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Reverend Dan Hoehn, and burial was at Mt. Saint Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Wilton Center.
Preferred memorials may be made as gift’s in Dan’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481.
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Dan’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com or www.dodsworthfh. com Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)
