Frank Lewis Tempia, age 96, of Lebanon, Illinois, born August 6, 1924 in O'Fallon, Ill., to John D. Tempia and Pearl, nee Smith, Tempia, died Friday, February 5, 2021 at his home in Lebanon, Ill., with his family at his side.

Frank was born in a log cabin in O'Fallon, and grew up close to his grandfather, who immigrated to the United States from northern Italy.  Frank loved his Italian heritage given to him by his grandfather.  Frank's step-father owned and operated Friederich Truck Service in O'Fallon and, beginning as a young 12-year-old boy, Frank learned to drive trucks and help with the family business.  Frank graduated from O'Fallon Township High School.  He married Doris V. Hangsleben, the love of his life, March 19, 1944, and soon after, enlisted in the Army in 1944.  He was sent to the Pacific theater and served as a transportation sergeant in the Philippines and Japan during World War II.  He returned to O'Fallon in 1945 and built his home on a farm in Lebanon.  He loved farming and has lived on his farm all his life.  While farming, he continued to help with the family business and in 1952 became owner-operator of Friederich Truck Service until his retirement in 1981.  He enjoyed retirement for many years with his wife, Doris until she passed in 1995, and since, has continued to delight in country life on his farm. Frank was a member of First Baptist Church of O'Fallon for 70 years. He dearly loved his Lord and His church and served in many ways through the years, including as church organist.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Doris V. Tempia, nee Hangsleben; parents, Pearl, nee Smith,  (Friederich, Skaer) Tempia and John D. Tempia; step-fathers, Emil "Barney" Friederich and Henry Skaer; son, Anthony E. Tempia; half-brothers, David Tempia and John Tempia; half-sister, Judy, nee Tempia, Chomicz; wife, Mary L., nee Langford, (Bludnick) Tempia; and step-daughter, Brenda L. Bludnick.

Surviving are his sons, Frank N. (Rhonda) Tempia of Belleville, Ill.; Steven J. (Vicky) Tempia of Collinsville, Ill.; step-daughters, G. Paulette (William) Reese of Evansville, Ind., and Mary Katherine Bludnick of Evansville, Ind.; five grandchildren, Nicole (Chris) Colbert of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Bradley (Elsa) Tempia of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Matthew (Jennifer) Tempia of Burke, Va.; Rachel (fiancé: Mike Davis) Tempia of Lawrenceville, Ga.; and Christopher (Kristie King) Tempia of  Seattle, Wash.; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; loving great-nieces and nephews; cousins and dear friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, O'Fallon, Illinois, Building Fund. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.wfh-ofallon.com .

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 pm Friday, February 19, 2021 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon, Ill..

Visitation will also be held from 10:00 – 11:00 am, Saturday, February 20, 2021 at First Baptist Church, 1111 East Highway 50, O'Fallon, Ill., followed by a funeral celebration at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 20, 2021, led by Pastor Doug Munton.  Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery, Shiloh, Ill.