Frank Robert Goldsmith

Frank Robert Goldsmith, 81, of Metamora, Illinois passed away peacefully on December 22, 2011 at 8:05 a.m., at Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois. Frank was born on March 17, 1930 in Cazenovia, Illinois to Rayford and Felicia (Durst) Goldsmith. They preceded him in death. He married Wanda L. Ridings on September 16, 1953, in Metamora and they were married for 54 years. Frank is survived by his three children: Marcia (Gary) Hedrick, San Antonio, Texas, Michael Goldsmith, Germantown Hills, Illinois and Jennifer (Dan) Vonachen, Peoria, Illinois. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Elizabeth (Brian) Nowotny, Michael (Rachel) Hedrick, and Sarah Hedrick all of San Antonio, Texas; Jason Goldsmith of Peoria, IL, Alicia Goldsmith, St. Louis, MO, and Olivia and Natalie Vonachen, Peoria, IL. He has two great-grandchildren, Emily and Owen Nowotny. Also surviving is his brother Richard Goldsmith, Metamora, IL, and his sister Loretta Wettstein, Eureka, IL. and many nieces and nephews. Frank attended Metamora High School and Bradley University. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War. He also owned and operated Goldie's Cafe in Metamora and served as the President of the Old Settlers' Association in Metamora for several years. He retired from Millers Mutual Insurance Company, as a claims adjuster in 1995. Member of Taylor Masonic Lodge #98 in Washington and Metamora American Legion Post #89. He loved to hunt, shoot skeet and trap, and was a very talented woodworker, making all of his granddaughters dollhouses and other pieces of furniture. He also built his home known as ""the farm"" where the grandchildren loved to visit. He loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a member of Bay View Baptist Church in Washington, Illinois, where services will be on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Keith Thibo officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 from 4pm until 6pm at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel in Germantown Hills, IL, with a Masonic service at 6pm. Additional visitation will be 30 minutes prior to services at church. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, in Metamora where military rites will be recorded by his Legion Post. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. OSF Foundation c/o OSF Richard L. Owens 530 N. E. Glen Oak Peoria, IL 61603. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com