Francis Kernan

Francis Joseph Kernan, 100, of Wexford died Monday, August 25, 2014 at Thornton Heights Assisted Living, Lansing. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, August 30 at Wexford Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Wexford. Inurnment followed at the Wexford Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Wexford.
Francis was born December 24, 1913 to Joseph and Ellen (Cota) Kernan in Wexford. Francis was baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Wexford. He graduated from Waukon High School and received his B.A. degree from Columbia College in Dubuque.
Francis was united in marriage with Leonette Mullarkey July 30, 1940 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Wexford. Six children were born to this union. Francis worked for a time as a meteorologist and was the youngest meteorologist in the United States when he started. He was also a teacher, farmer, carpenter and furniture refinisher. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wexford, Farm Bureau and served on the Lansing public school board and the Russell school board.
There has never been a more sincere, patient, kind and generous man than Francis. His life reflected these attributes throughout his years, especially as an amazing husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His strong faith carried him through many challenges over his 100-1/2 years. His gentle touch, loving devotion, wonderful smile, delightful chuckle and consistent farewell of "Well, be careful now" will always be remembered by those of us who had the privilege of having him in our lives.
Francis is survived by his wife of 74 years, Leonette Kernan of Lansing; five children, Bill Kernan of Cadiz, KY, Jack (Mary Ann) Kernan of Winter, WI, Jerry (Anne) Kernan of Stoddard, WI, Marilyn Clarkin of Onalaska, WI and Denny (Jami) Kernan of Minneapolis, MN; his daughter-in-law, Mary Kernan of Lansing; 17 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; and a host of many other family members and friends.
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ellen (Cota) Kernan; his son, Bob Kernan; his siblings, Marcella (James) McGuire, Sr. Cyrilla Kernan, PBVM, Leo (Catherine) Kernan, Marguerite (Bill) Schulte, Alice (Hugh) Conway, Genevieve (Tom) Mohn and Gerald Kernan; and two sons-in-law, Al Wagner and Dave Clarkin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for the memorial of their choice.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com.