Kieran J. “K.J.” Phelan Jr., 82, a lifelong resident of Oak Park and River Forest, died on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Born in Oak Park on March 7, 1935, he attended St. Giles Grade School, graduated from Fenwick High School in 1953, and the University of Notre Dame in 1957. He served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant on the U.S.S. Valcour and worked for the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C., then returned to Oak Park to take over the family business, the Reliable Credit Company, when his father became ill.
In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his lifelong love, Mary, and their children and grandchildren. A model husband, father, and grandfather, he will be sorely missed but his spirit will endure.
K.J. Phelan was the husband of Mary Catherine Phelan (nee Joslin); the father of Kieran III (Jaqueline), John (Amy), Martin (Leann), Daniel (Beth) and Molly (John) Griffin; the son of the late Kieran and Loretta (nee McMonigle) Phelan; the brother of the late Robert McCarthy; the grandfather of John, Anne, Kieran IV, Samantha, Katie, Ben, Molly, Joseph, George, Jack, Sarah, Jimmy, Daniel, Michael, Lizzie and Hannah; and the brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, friend and cousin of many.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 8 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Aug. 9 at St. Luke Catholic Church, Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue in River Forest, with interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. The family appreciates memorials to the Seasons Hospice, the Way Back Inn, or the charity of your choice.
