Francis D McKenna

DeWitt, MI

Francis Donald McKenna, 98, was born in Hubbardston, Michigan on March 4, 1914, to Peter and Alice Rebecca Cusack McKenna. He entered eternal life on August 2, 2012. He was baptized at and attended the church of St. John the Baptist in Hubbardston. Francis was a charter member of both St. Therese Church in Lansing and the Catholic Community of St. Jude in DeWitt, Michigan. Francis worked in skilled trades as a machinist at Fisher Body for more than 46 years and was a founding member of UAW Local 602. He also farmed a good piece of land, which he loved. He was a gentle and peaceful man who was loved and respected by all. His Catholic faith and Irish heritage were a source of great joy. Francis enjoyed the fellowship of bowling, golf, games of cards, the Knights of Columbus, music, dance, song, a good Manhattan, and the company of great friends, family, neighbors, and his dog, Chadwick. He is preceded in death by his wives, Gladys Irene Kavanagh, Catherine Lillian Kavanagh and 6 brothers, William Ferris, Matthew Mark, Thomas Merle, Nicholas Royal, Peter Clare and Peter Benedict. He had eight children for whom he was a loving role model. Daughters Kathleen and Joann and granddaughter Sarah Lincolnhol Nelson preceded him in death. Six children remain; Patricia (Raymond) Lincolnhol, Jeanne (James) O’Brien, Karen (Henry) Jallos, Brian (Donna) McKenna, Kristine (David) Poulson and Kevin (Brenda) McKenna. He loved children so and had many visiting to the end. His 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter, will also love and remember their wonderful Irish grandfather. He is also survived by sister-in-laws Helen Kavanagh and Esther (Morrie) Riker. His many, many nieces and nephews treasure their “Uncle Fan”. Visitation will be at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Dewitt Chapel, 205 E. Washington, DeWitt, on Sunday August 5, 2012, from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 11:00am at the Catholic Community of St. Jude Church, 801 N. Bridge St. DeWitt, MI. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Contributions in Mr. McKenna’s name may be made to the Special Olympics Area 8, 2901 Wabash Rd., Lansing, MI 48910, or to the Holy Cross Children’s Services, Boysville Campus, 8744 Clinton-Macon Rd., Clinton, MI 49236. " May the sunshine warm upon his face and may the Lord hold him in the palm of His hand."