Francis Edward Kelsey Obituary (1927 - 2009)

Francis E. Kelsey, 81, South Beloit, Illinois died unexpectedly at the University Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin at 6:36 a.m., Thursday, June 4, 2009. Born October 21, 1927 in Sparta, Wisconsin, the son of Ira and Reaka (Freeze) Kelsey. He married June Bemis in Sparta, Wisconsin on December 27, 1947. He worked for Hem Stock Concrete in Sparta, Wisconsin before moving to Beloit, Wisconsin. There he worked for Beatrice Meadow Gold, transferred to South Elgin, Illinois, where he retired from Beatrice Meadow Gold after 37 years. After retirement he moved to South Beloit, Illinois. He served in the United States Navy during WWII for eight years, one year active and seven years Reserves. He was a very active member of the Moose Lodge 191 for 48 years, was a Governor, past Governor, and held many other offices, and received the Pilgrim degree in May 1999, which is the highest degree. He was also a member of the Eagles Club 2833 of Sparta, Wisconsin and a lifetime member of the Owls Club of Elgin, Illinois. He loved traveling, camping, gambling, Nascar racing, the Cubs and Bears and feeding his birds and squirrels. Survivors include; five sons, Thomas (Barbara)Kelsey, James (Marla) Kelsey, Jeffrey (Bonnie) Kelsey, all of Beloit, WI, Timothy Kelsey and John Kelsey of Colorado; 17 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, many great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Willard (Jeanette) Kelsey of Sanford, Florida, Leroy (Karen) Kelsey of Tomah, Wisconsin; three sisters, Margaret Fuenger of Sparta, Wisconsin, Betty (Kenneth)Mikkelson of Janesville, Wisconsin and Elaine Goff of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Barbarick of Beloit, Wisconsin and Robert (Dorothy) Bemis of Iowa and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Ira and Reaka Kelsey; wife June Kelsey; five sisters Marie, Ruth, Irene, Berniece and infant Doris Jean; one infant grandson Trevor Thomas Kelsey; eight brothers-in-law and 4 sisters-in-law. The family requests no flowers please. Memorial ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2009 at McCorkle Funeral Home, 767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, IL 61072 with Reverend Tom Kingery officiating. Cremation rites to be accorded. Final resting place will be Oak Grove Cemetery, Angelo, Wisconsin.