Joel Francque
STERLING — Joel Joseph Francque, 66, of Sterling died Thursday, Aug. 16, 2007, at his home.
Born March 21, 1941, in Thomas, Henry County, to Urban “Ben” E. and Mary E. (Oberle) Francque, he married Penelope “Penny” J. Fester Sept. 15, 1962. She survives.
He was a graduate of Saint Mary Grade School and a 1959 graduate of Newman High School in Sterling. Well known in real estate, he was a member of the Whiteside County Realtors Association and a practicing agent for 38 years.
He was a lifelong member of Saint Mary Parish, serving as usher for 38 years, a member of the first appointed group of Eucharistic Ministers for the Diocese of Rockford serving Saint Mary Parish and a Third Degree Knight of Columbus serving Council 662. He did extensive volunteer work for Catholic Schools, and various other community events.
Also surviving are three children, Barry (Michelle) and Blake (Amy), both of Sterling, and Bernadette (Joseph) Jacobs of Aurora; six siblings, Jeanine (Eugene) Gordon of Aurora, Jay (Gloria) Francque of Erie, Jan (Bev) Francque, Jane Olson and Julie (John) McCormick, all of Sterling, and Joshua (Darci) Francque of Dixon; six grandchildren, Trevor, Taylor, Trae and Trent Francque of Sterling, and Jonathan and Andrew Jacobs of Aurora; his mother-in-law, Bernice Fester; four sisters-in-laws, Debbie (John) Devine and Mary (Benny) Escamilla, both of Sterling, Judy (Dick) Hourigan of Moline and Connie Green of Phoenix, Ariz.; two aunts and one uncle; his godmother, Alma (Francque) Wyffels of Geneseo; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Eugene Fester; three nephews and one niece; and his godfather, Robert Oberle.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Saint Mary Catholic Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Jesus Domiguez officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Sterling.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the church, where a rosary will be recited at 3 p.m.
A memorial is being established.
The Garland Funeral Home in Walnut is in charge of arrangements.
