Delbert Frederick Kanallakan

DELBERT KANALLAKAN

JERSEYVILLE – Delbert F. Kanallakan, 94, passed away peacefully at 6:53 p.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at his home in rural Jerseyville, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born on March 28, 1929 in Fieldon, Illinois, one of seven children born to the late Frederick and Stella (Isringhausen) Kanallakan.

He graduated with the Class of 1947 from Hardin Community High School and went on to serve our country honorably with the United States Army.

He was an active member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, Jerseyville American Legion Post #492 as well as the Jersey County Farm Bureau.

Delbert was a lifelong farmer in Jersey County and took great pride in continuing the family legacy. He enjoyed riding around the farm on his gator and remained active on the farm well into his 90’s. Even when had had to stop physically, he was always there for guidance and support for Tim and David, who continue to farm his ground. Even during his last few days, he was eager to receive his daily update on what was going on harvesting the crops.

He married the former Grace Briggs on September 16, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fieldon. Throughout their 73 years of marriage, their lives were blessed with seven children and many wonderful memories shared as a family.

Growing up as a part of a large family, Delbert was instilled from a young age with the values of hard work, faith and a love for the land – values that He and Grace made sure to install in their large family, as well. He was a humble man, who lived his life simply and quietly, and was always willing to provide a helping hand to anyone in need.

He will be fondly remembered for his honesty, dependability and as a compassionate and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Surviving are his wife, Grace Kanallakan of Jerseyville; six children and their spouses, Susan and Mick Rolando, David Kanallakan, Tim and Pris Kanallakan, Jill and David Brady, all of Jerseyville; Jack Kanallakan and Brian Halim of St. Louis, Missouri and Matthew and Teri Kanallakan of Jerseyville; twelve grandchildren, Michael Kanallakan, Ayden Kanallakan, Kyle (Shauna) Brady, Kaitlin (Sean) Clements, Kris Brady, Kinley Brady and her fiance, Oliver, Kelli Brady, Ryan (Kristina) Kanallakan, Jared (Lauren) Kanallakan, Todd (Rachel) Simon, Julie (John) Jacobs and Tim (Debbie) Rolando; nineteen great grandchildren, Raven, Olive, Niamh Codd, Gage and Mave Brady, Olivia, Charlotte and Max Kanallakan, Hadley and Finley Kanallakan, Jacob Schmidt, Maddi and Luke Jacobs, Gabby, Lilly and Emilia Rolando, Lila, Liam and Cora Simon; a brother and sister in-law, Darrell and Esther Kanallakan of Rosedale; a sister in-law, Sandy Kanallakan of Fieldon; a brother in-law, Dale Snider of Jerseyville; as well as a close friend, who was often referred to as Delbert and Grace’s “adoptive son”, David “Duck” Bridges of Jerseyville.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William Frederick Kanallakan, who was tragically killed in a farming accident on August 1, 1966; three sisters and two brothers in-law, Norine and Charles Helton, Opal and Junior Cory and Patricia “Pat” Snider; as well as two brothers and a sister in-law, Anthony Joseph “Tony Joe” Kanallakan and Eldon and Grace Kanallakan.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville with Father Martin Smith officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetey in Fieldon, with the Jerseyville American Legion Post #492 conducting military honors.

Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville, in care of Crawford Funeral Home, 1308 State Highway 109, Jerseyville, IL 62052, who has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Delbert Frederick Kanallakan, please visit our floral store.