Joseph T. Francis, 93, of Cortland, IL died on May 28, 2024 at NW Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital.

Joseph was a Marine Sergeant and served in the Korean Conflict as part of a helicopter crew.  After discharge, he attended the University of Illinois.

As an accomplished musician, Joe played base fiddle, accordion, piano and keyboard.  He traveled with the "Circle C Boys" across the Midwest playing country music.  A few years later, he joined with the Del Rene band playing jazz, while beginning his long career in Real Estate.

Joe and Kathleen were married in 1959, raised a family of 4 and moved from Illinois to Colorado and returned back to Illinois after 17 years.

He was a life-long devoted Catholic who prayed daily rosary and was frequently involved in leadership roles in parishes along the way.

Joseph's greatest joy was his family.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Kathleen; four children, Anita (Jeff), Jeannine (Darryl), Joseph (Carol) and Matthew (Jennifer); 16 grandchildren, Lianna, Adam, Colin, Katrina, Bryan, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Emma, Olivia, Mary Rose, Henry, Joey, Katie, Matthew, Liam and Luke;
28 great grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara and Noreen and one brother, Lee (Jeanne).

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Grace.

The rosary will be prayed at 9:00 AM on Friday, May 31st at the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL.   A visitation will follow from 9:30 AM-11:00 AM.

His funeral mass will begin at 11:30 AM on Friday, May 31at at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 123 S. County Line Road, Maple Park, IL. 60151.  Burial will
be at the Elmwood Cemetery, 901 S. Cross St. in Sycamore with full military rites.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com