Francis R. Kerkhof

Francis R. Kerkhof, 93, passed away on February 17, 2015, at St. Paul Home in Kaukauna, WI. Born on November 28, 1921, he was the oldest son of William and Kathryn (Jackels) Kerkhof of Hollandtown, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dolores (Gerrits) Kerkhof, whom he married on June 15, 1948 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hollandtown, WI. Francis graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1940 and worked at the Baker Canning Company in Dundas until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, he served as a radio man on the LST #808 in the Pacific Campaign. Upon returning to civilian life, Francis worked the family farm with his brother until Francis took full ownership. Francis worked hard and was proud of his farm. He also worked at Ariens Manufacturing Company in Brillion, WI for over 10 years before retiring in Kaukauna.

Francis was a life-long member of St. Francis Catholic Church, which is now known as St. Katharine Drexel Parish. He was also a dedicated member of the Catholic Knights of Columbus Council #1033 and the American Legion Post 436 in Wrightstown.

He and his wife, Dolores, who passed away on January 22, 2004, were blessed with 8 children: Sister Rochelle Kerkhof of Manitowoc, WI; Donald Kerkhof of Madison, WI; Virginia (Greg) Dunphy of Hollandtown, WI; Gerald (Kate) Kerkhof of Wilton, IA; Diane Kerkhof of Eau Claire, WI; Carol Albright of Fredericksburg, VA; Mary (Chris) Miller of Berea, KY; and William (Heidi) Kerkhof of Oshkosh, WI.

His surviving brothers and sisters include: Eugene (Louise) Kerkhof of Sun City, AZ; Jerome Kerkhof of Silver Springs, MD and Sister Mary Hugh Kerkhof of Manitowoc and Katherine Kerkhof of Middleton, WI. Preceding him in death are his sisters and brothers-in-law: Dorothy and (Quintin) Gloudemans, Eileen and (Boniface) Pendergast; a brother, Wilfred Kerkhof; sister-in-law, Joan Kerkhof and son-in-law Frank Albright.

Francis is also survived by 21 grandchildren: Matthew (Sonya) Kerkhof of Vallejo, CA; Logan (special friend, Katina ) of Minneapolis, MN; Isabelle (Ben) Kranz of Minneapollis, MN; Henry (Theresa) Dunphy of San Diego, CA, Rose Dunphy (Randall Hicks) of Chicago, IL; Tess Kerkhof of Wilton, IA; Lisa (Dan) Pawlowski of Eau Claire, WI; Nick Schroeder of Eau Claire, WI; Eric (Becka) Albright of Grand Rapids, MI; Jacqueline Albright of Fredericksburg, VA; Steven (fiancée, Lillian) Albright of Leesburg, VA; Christopher, Richard and Aaron Albright all of Fredericksburg, VA; Rebecca Miller (fiancée, Andrew Taylor) of Louisville, KY; Ben Miller of Lexington, KY; and Joseph, Robert, Carolyn, Frances and Michaela Kerkhof of Oshkosh, WI. He is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren.

The funeral liturgy for Francis will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 11:00 AM at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL CHURCH/ST. FRANCIS SITE, 433 County CE, Hollandtown, with Fr. Jerry Pastors officiating. A time of visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 until 6:30 PM concluding with a prayer service at 6:30 PM at the Fargo Funeral home. The prayer service will be led by Sheldon and Diane Niquette, close friends of Francis. A time of visitation will also be held on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be in the St. Francis Cemetery in Hollandtown. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Schoening and the entire staff of St. Paul's Home for their personal care and kind attention to Francis during these past two years.

Thank you, Dad, for being our anchor, for your incredible sense of humor, for your down to earth wisdom and for your unwavering faith in your Creator. You are part of the greatest generation. You lived your life according to those great values and principles in every arena whether as a farmer, an active duty serviceman or as you were providing for your family. You will be greatly missed. We love you!