Eugene Francis Obituary (1935

Eugene D. Francis Sr., 86, of Pontiac, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at OSF St. James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac, Illinois. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 10, 2021 at11:00AM at the First Presbyterian Church in Pontiac with Pastor J D Buchenau officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00AM - 11:00AM at the church. Burial will be following the service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Rural Pontiac, Illinois. Memorials in Gene's name may be made to First Presbyterian Church or Livingston County 4-H Fair association. Calvert and Martin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Eugene was born May 30, 1935, in Odell, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Florence (Tissiere) Francis Sr. He married Patricia V. Metroz on November 15, 1953 in Pontiac, Illinois. She survives in Pontiac. He is also survived by: his son, Gene (Roberta) Francis Jr. of North Dakota; his daughter, Julie (Steve) Bertsche of Flanagan, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Brandon, Troy, and Trent Bertsche, Jennifer Bertsche-Kramer, Crosley Zahradka, Riley Francis, and Phoebe Francis; nine great-grandchildren: Briggston, Bevin, Elsie, Grant, Adam, Tenley, Tallen, Kellen, and Florence; three brothers: Donald Francis of Chenoa, Illinois, Clifford Francis of Aurora, Illinois, and Clyde Francis of Pontiac, Illinois; three sister-in-laws: Joan Allen, Carol Rich, and Sharon (Bill) Carroll; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Kathryn Vitzthum; three brothers: Joseph Francis, Glenn Francis, and Louis Francis; two brothers-in-law, Buddy Rich and Louis Vitzthum; and four sisters-in-law: Margaret Francis, Sara Francis, Marilyn Francis and Janet Francis. Eugene was Esmen School Board President and also served on the Livingston County 4-H Fair Board. He was a coach for little league. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge and the Chief City Saddle Club. He was also part of the Esmen Tip-Top Notch Farmers. Gene farmed and had a trucking business. Gene loved life and everyone in it. He never knew a stranger, never forgot a face and considered many as not just friends but family. His many stories always captivated an audience of all ages. Telling stories about his favorite subjects-farming, trucking, motorcycles and riding his beloved horse, Pete. But above all his favorite things to talk about were his years growing up and his much-loved grandchildren. He loved adventure and was always up for anything his family roped him into. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with all his heart. He was very involved in his families lives, from sports to cattle shows to fun in the Florida sun. He gave his family a million fun memories. He was a constant presence in so many lives. Gene's huge smile and even bigger heart will be greatly missed by all who knew him. With the sun high in the sky and the wind at your back, I hope your ride on the highway to heaven is everything you dreamt it would be.