Richard “Dick” Joseph Francois, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on October 26th, 2022, at Luther Manor in Dubuque.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday October 30th, 2022, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, IA.  A private family burial will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Richard was born on November 26th, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Vincent and Helen (Morgan) Francois. He married Darlene Gerhard on September 25th, 1953, in Dubuque.

He was employed at the Dubuque Packing Company for 47 years.

He is survived by his five children Sue Francois of Dubuque, Shari (Mike) Price of Belmont, WI, Sandy (Jeff) Wesenberg of Dubuque, Shelly Francois of Dubuque, and Steven Francois of Dubuque. Six grandchildren Noel (Jill) Fries, Tressa (Dennis) Pergande, Jenna (CJ) Krapfl, Matt Price, Ryan Francois, and Alex (Corinne) Wesenberg. Seven great-grandchildren Damien (Erica) Fries, Brett Fries, Bryce (Sadie) Taylor, Hailey Tracy, Madalyn Tracy, William Krapfl, and Jaxon Price. Five great-great-grandchildren Sonni, Ryder, Gunner, Colt, and Baby on the way Wylder Joseph. His sister Linda (Jim) Burridge, Brothers Robert Francois and James (Janey) Francois, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Darlene on July 25th, 1992, his parents Vincent and Helen, great-granddaughter Hailey, and siblings Vince, Jean, Virginia, Ronnie, and Roger.

Thank you to all the health care workers that assisted Richard these past couple of years.

Dick was a member of the Dubuque CB Club, he was a Cub Scout Leader Pack 14 in East Dubuque, he volunteered with the Dubuque Drum & Bugle Corp and The Dubuquettes

Drill Team.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. He always put his family first and family get togeathers were so important to him. Throughout the years he enjoyed camping and traveling with his family. He loved to vacation every year with his children out to Denver, CO to visit his parents & sibblings. He loved Polka, Big Band and old Country & Western Music. He also loved watching B Westerns from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. He loved spending time with his family going to Dirt Track racing. Him & his son had Hawkeye Football season tickets for years and attended many games. He also enjoyed old Steam & Model Trains.

He will be greatly missed by all, especially his family.