BELLEVILLE - Jerome "Jerry" Francois, age 69 of Belleville, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at home with his loving family by his side after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born on February 14, 1939 in Madison, the son of Marvin and Joyce (Hoover) Francois. Jerry graduated from Belleville High School in 1957. On September 11, 1959, he married the former Millie Hendrickson in Blanchardville. Jerry was a successful farmer, having farmed the Francois Centennial Homestead Farm since 1969. Prior to farming, he worked for Federal Industries in Belleville, Midway Airport and Cities Service. He was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in Belleville, a 10 year member of the Belleville Fire Department, and served on the Belleville School Board for 13 years. Jerry played in local bands for many years including the Aristocrats and the Don Ward Trio.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Millie; his four sons, Tim (Cathy) Francois of Blanchardville, Gary (Mary) Francois on the home farm in Brooklyn, Jeff (Joann) Francois of Pleasant Prairie, and Mark (Julie) Francois of Belleville; a daughter, Katie Francois of Belleville; 11 grandchildren, Rochelle, Janelle, Danny, Jared, Jessica, Tyler, Michelle, Tera, Keri, Kelsi, and Abby; two sisters, Mary (Dennis) Lokken of Mt. Horeb and Margaret (Coz) Skrum of Lodi.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Forrest Fritz, and a daughter Michelle.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, 221 Frederick St., Belleville, WI with the Rev. Kenneth Klink officiating with burial in the Frenchtown Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at the Becker-Beal Funeral Home, 109 Greenway Cross, Belleville, WI.
The family suggests memorials to the St. Mary of Lourdes Building Fund or Hospice Care, Inc.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Millie; his four sons, Tim (Cathy) Francois of Blanchardville, Gary (Mary) Francois on the home farm in Brooklyn, Jeff (Joann) Francois of Pleasant Prairie, and Mark (Julie) Francois of Belleville; a daughter, Katie Francois of Belleville; 11 grandchildren, Rochelle, Janelle, Danny, Jared, Jessica, Tyler, Michelle, Tera, Keri, Kelsi, and Abby; two sisters, Mary (Dennis) Lokken of Mt. Horeb and Margaret (Coz) Skrum of Lodi.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Forrest Fritz, and a daughter Michelle.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, 221 Frederick St., Belleville, WI with the Rev. Kenneth Klink officiating with burial in the Frenchtown Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at the Becker-Beal Funeral Home, 109 Greenway Cross, Belleville, WI.
The family suggests memorials to the St. Mary of Lourdes Building Fund or Hospice Care, Inc.