John R. Francois

February 9, 1950 - April 21, 2022

John R. Francois, 72, Three Rivers, Michigan, died 8:51 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2022, at Majestic Care, Goshen. He was born February 9, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert & Vera (Jaeger) Francois. On June 17, 1997, he married Judi (Ellis) Francois. Surviving are his wife, Judi, Three Rivers, Michigan, children, Israel (Tammy) Stark, Goshen, Amber Stark, Elkhart, 4 grandchildren, Lexie, Jordan (Kaitlynn), Brianna, Tristan, great-grandchild, Phoenix, siblings, Richard (Edith) Francois, St. Joseph, Michigan Joannie Koontz, New Haven & Sharon (Greg) Rogers, Fort Wayne. Preceding him in death are his parents and sister, Gail Vogwill. John served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1967-1970. He earned a Master’s degree from University of Michigan and worked as a Clinical Social Worker in California and Indiana for Department of Corrections. John started the Center for Problem Resolution and a support group in Elkhart for veterans. He loved animals and fostered through ASPCA. John also enjoyed fishing, the mountains and nature. A celebration of life will be 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Fraternal Order of Eagles #2303, 715 E. Hoffman St., Three Rivers, Michigan 49093. A private family burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan, with military honors. Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com