Pictured above: Delbert & Maradyl Facklam
Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation President and CEO, Joedy Hightower, announced the death of Veteran and Philanthropist, Delbert Facklam. “Delbert Facklam was a great man compelled to generosity by his strong sense of roots and connectedness to where he always called home,” recalls Hightower.
Mr. Facklam initially established scholarship funds with the Community Foundation for students of Teutopolis High School. He went on to establish several designated funds to provide ongoing support for selected projects that had meaningful connections in his life. The designated funds include Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Shumway, IL, St. Paul’s Cemetery and St. Michael’s Parish in Sigel, IL and Stewardson Cemetery in Stewardson, IL.
Mr. Facklam lived most of his adult life in California. However, he never abandoned the regional area where he spent his earliest years. He was born in Stewardson, IL and moved to Sigel, Illinois in his teens. Facklam attended St. Michael’s School until his senior year, where he attended Teutopolis High School and graduated in 1939.
Following graduation Mr. Facklam enlisted in the U.S. Navy before World War II and was stationed at Farragut, Idaho. He served overseas during World War II and retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1960. During his twenty years of serving our country, he was decorated with six gold stripes for his service.
“The ongoing legacy of Delbert Facklam will be reflected in the good works resulting from his academic scholarships and their future generosity to help preserve home,” adds Hightower. The Community Foundation oversees the funds established by Mr. Facklam to ensure their long-term sustainability and positive community impact.
Delbert Facklam passed away June 20, 2011. He will be buried at Arlington Cemetery.
