Francis John Fedewa passed peacefully to his eternal heavenly home on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the age of 89 and was reunited with his beloved wife Viola who preceded him in death on April 2, 2002.
Francis was born in Westphalia, MI on October 26, 1927, the oldest son of Julius and Gertrude (Simon) Fedewa. Francis married Viola Smith on March 31, 1948 in Westphalia, MI. He resided most of his life in St. Johns and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Francis will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Francis was a U.S. Navy Veteran proudly serving in World War II aboard the USS Knight BMS 40 and awarded the Victory Medal. He retired in 1983 from Motor Wheel Corporation after 38 years of dedicated service, serving as Chief Steward for many years. He always had an interest in art, completing a certificate program with Art Instruction Schools. He also had his real estate license, working part time for Midway Realty. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, reading, and the St. Johns Senior Center. Francis and Viola always enjoyed family get-together s, their card groups, traveling, and trips Up North.
Surviving are his five children, Gladys (Larry) Tiedt, Diane (David) Harper, Joyce (Stephen) Wahoski, Wayne (Lori-Beth) Fedewa, and Bruce (Lana) Fedewa, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; sister Monica Hatt, sisters-in-law; Agnes Fedewa, Lucille Fedewa, Mary (Marvin) Schafer, Marilyn Smith, and brother-in-law Jerome (Carlene) Smith; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Francis was preceded in death by his parents, wife Viola, grandchild Kristie Harper, parents-in-law Antoinette and Leo Smith; brothers Marvin and Gerald Fedewa, sisters-in-law Loretta (Alvin) Thelen, and Joan (Ernie) Thelen, brothers-in-law David Hatt, Carl (Rose) Smith, Delbert (Rosaline) Smith and James Smith.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, on Thursday, June 29, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Douglas Osborn officiating. Burial will take place at Mount Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home with a Family-led Rosary being prayed at 7:45 p.m. Contributions may be made in memory of Francis to the American Cancer Society or St. Joseph Catholic School.