Francis Martin McGee, age 91 of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, was called home to the Lord on February 2, 2020. He was born on December 1, 1928 to the proud parents of Frank and Margaret (Ryan) McGee. Beloved husband of the late Eva (Mule’) McGee for almost 64 years. Beloved father of Kathy (Gary) Sedan, Laura Plesco, and Joann McGee. Cherished grandfather of Kristen (Nick Frazee) Bewley. Loving brother to Patricia Pleva, Kathleen Zablocki and Mary Ellen Swaha and to his late brothers- in- law: Gerald, Ernie, Paul and Walt. Loving Godfather to Geri Pleva, Danny Benson and Roger Zablocki and loving uncle to all his wonderful nieces and nephews. Dear friend to Richard Loffredo, Barb Aiello and Stella Stennent. Francis will be especially missed by Zoey his devoted dog and all his numerous friends. Francis was a life- long, faith-filled Catholic and a parishioner of St. Joan of Arc parish. He was so proud to have sung in the St. Joan of Arc Choir for over 60 years.
Music was a major part of Francis’ life. He started playing the saxophone in grade school and continued playing that instrument and the clarinet throughout his long life. As a U.S. Army Corporal, he played in the Red Arrow Band in the Korean Conflict and that enabled him to stay stateside instead of being deployed overseas. He taught himself to play the flute and then the piano. He also repaired clarinets and saxophones. Francis played in various bands through the years, among them the Rythmics and the Belgian American Band. Francis was employed by DTE for almost forty years.
Francis had a soft-spot for all of God’s creatures and, as a boy, would rescue stray dogs in the neighbor and bring them home. He also was an avid gardener known for growing tomatoes from seeds he would save from the previous year. Just this past summer of 2019, he prided himself in growing over 800 cherry tomatoes. Every garden season, he would share all his tomatoes with family, neighbors and friends. Francis also enjoyed sports, especially baseball and coached his daughter’s softball league games when they were children. He was also a member of the St. Margaret Walking Club and the Tai Chi club and, up until several months ago, participated in these activities every week.
Special thanks and acknowledgements are extended to all the caregivers Francis received at his three stays at Beaumont Hospital, especially to Dr. Almasri and to Nurse Katrina. Special thanks and acknowledgements are also extended to all the caregivers and doctors at Ascension Specialty Select Hospital, especially to Dr. Tata and to Nurse Practitioner Theresa, nurses Alicia and Montie and to CNA Katrina.
Francis will lie in-state on Saturday February 8, 2020, beginning at 9:30 am until time of Mass at 10:00 am, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church 22412 Overlake Street, St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48080 with Monsignor Michael Bugarin, presiding. Family will receive friends on Friday February 7, 2020, from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081. The family especially invites all to join them for the Sharing of Memories at 7:00 pm at Kaul whereby they will share wonderful family memories of Francis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial are appreciated in Francis’ memory to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen (cskdetroit.org) or to the Michigan Humane Society (michiganhumane.org).
