Thaddeus "Frank" Francis O'Malley

Thaddeus “Frank” Francis O’Malley, 88, of Thomson, Illinois, passed away on January 25, 2026, in Thomson.

Born September 27, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, Frank was the son of Thaddeus “Ted” and Delia (Kelly) O’Malley. He grew up in Chicago, attending and graduating from high school there. For a time he pursued seminary studies, guided by a deep and lifelong Catholic faith, before choosing a different path of service.

In 1959, Frank enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country for eight years. In June of 1965, Frank married Patricia Eifert. Together they were blessed with two children. Their journey took them west to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where Frank worked for Pitney Bowes selling office equipment. Wyoming quickly became a place he cherished, its wide-open spaces and rugged beauty staying with him for the rest of his days.

Frank later moved to Evanston, Wyoming, where he worked for the city, before eventually returning to Illinois and settling in Thomson. There he found joy in driving a school bus for the Thomson School District. He genuinely loved seeing the children each day.

Throughout his life, Frank embraced the outdoors. He loved photography, yardwork, and the simple pleasure of being outside. In his younger years he kept horses and enjoyed taking them out hunting.

Frank is survived by his children, Bonnie (John) Norris, of Casper, WY and Caroline O’Malley, of Lincoln, NE; six grandchildren, Ashley (Adam), Tim, Weldon (April), Emma (Joel), JR, and Teagan; and three great-grandchildren, Kye, Holden, and Eleni. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Delia; sisters, Maureen Bellagamba and Kathleen Sorenson; and brothers, Joe O’Malley, and William “Bill” O’Malley.