Francis G. Huelsmann, age 94 of Highland, IL, died Monday, October 7, 2024, at Cedarhurst of Highland in Highland, IL.
He was born on Wednesday, January 29, 1930, in New Baden, IL, the son of Henry and Catherine (nee Henken) Huelsmann.
On Tuesday, May 6, 1958, he married Florence Frances Timmermann at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Aviston, IL, who passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He was also a member of Holy Name Society, Life Member VFW Post #5694, and former member of United Paperworkers International Union Local #1215 (Jefferson Smurfit) Rock, TN.
Mr. Huelsmann was born in New Baden, IL and attended St. George Catholic School. He served in Korea at communications as Corporal with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. In 1961, after several short-term jobs, he went to work for Alton Box Board, which is now Smurfit West Rock, with 33 years of service, retiring in 1994. Francis had worked for St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery for 45 years; he also was a money-counter at St. Paul Catholic Church for 40 years. He loved to volunteer at the VFW Fish Fries and VFW Bingo where he was the Chairman for many years. He also volunteered for the Kirchenfest Bingo and he helped run the concessions for the VFW His free time was spent playing cards games, playing dominos, working on craft projects, and spending time with his family.
Survivors include:
- Children – Alan H. (Marcia) Huelsmann, Edwardsville, IL; Kathy M. (Darrell) Luitjohan, Highland, IL; Donna T. (Jeffrey) Lyons, Pocahontas, IL; Glenn F. (Glenda) Huelsmann, Highland, IL; Dale G. (Significant Other Jodie Gibbs) Huelsmann, Collinsville, IL;
- Grandchildren – Kyle (Shannon) Luitjohan; Jason (Genni) Luitjohan; Cory (Molly) Luitjohan; Patrick (Brianne) Huelsmann; Brenden Huelsmann; Joshua Huelsmann; Carliann (Michael) Reynolds; Linda (Significant Other Ethan Recar) Lyons
Sisters – Estelle Hess; Rita Musenbrock; - Brothers – David (Peggy) Huelsmann; Floyd (Dorothy) Huelsmann;
- Sister-in-law – Geraldine Huelsmann;
- Brother-in-law – Arthur (Darlene) Timmermann.
He was preceded in death by:
- Father – Henry Huelsmann – Died April 14, 1982;
- Mother – Catherine H. Huelsmann, nee Henken – Died Feb. 10, 1998;
- Wife – Florence F. Huelsmann, nee Timmermann – Died Aug. 20, 2024;
- Siblings – Marcella Strubhart; Norbert “Bud” J. Huelsmann; Alice Schrage; Wilfred Huelsmann;
- Sisters-In-Law – Bernadine Huelsmann; Alviria Poettker; Frances Ratermann;
- Brothers-in-law – Paul Strubhart; Alfred Schrage; Wilbur Hess; Paul Musenbrock.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Father Mariadas Chatla, Parochial Vicar, St. Paul Catholic Church, officiating.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions are suggested for Highland VFW Post #5694, St. Paul School Educational Foundation or Masses.
