Gladstone, MI
Francis A. Belongie, age 92, of Gladstone, passed away Sunday morning, May 3, 2015, at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Francis was born March 13, 1923, in Gladstone, the son of Alphonse and Amelia (Bourbonnais) Belongie. He was raised in Gladstone and was a 1941 graduate of Gladstone High School. Following graduation, Francis moved to Chicago where he gained employment at Campbell Soup Company. In March of 1943, Francis enlisted in the United State Navy, serving during WWII, aboard the USS Richard M. Rowell and the USS Midway. Francis was honorably discharged in February of 1946 and received medals of accommodation which included, the Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with 3 Stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Star. Upon his discharge, Francis returned to Chicago where he resumed his position at Campbell Soup Company. On August 2, 1947, Francis was united in marriage to the former Margaret M. Mohr, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marathon, WI. Francis continued his employment at Campbell Soup Company until
1952, at which time, he and Margaret relocated to Gladstone, where the couple eventually built their family home. In 1953, Francis accepted a position at Harnischfeger Corporation where he worked until his retirement in 1983. Francis was a member of All Saints Church in Gladstone. Additionally, he was a member of the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71, Escanaba VFW and the Upper Peninsula Central Model Railroad Club. Francis was a model train and railroad enthusiast who also enjoyed woodworking and computers. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors include:
Son: Steve (Carol) Belongie of Gladstone, MI
Sisters: Alice Vemich of Kalamazoo, MI
Marcella Mathisen of Illinois
Vivian (Bill) Miller of Gladstone, MI
Evelyn Arnold of Marinette, WI
Grandchildren: Patty (Kevin) Peterson and Steve (Angie) Belongie Jr.
Great Grandchildren: Abby, Sawyer and Cora
Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Amelia, loving Wife, Margaret:
Sisters: Genevieve Kirch and Agnes Murchie
Brothers: Lawrence and James Belongie
Francis
Kristine and Jerry Skeens
Francis was a wonderful man and we were so fortunate to have known him.Our sympathies to Steve, Carol, Patty and Steve Jr.
Lenita R Scholer - Gladstone, MI
Francis was a wonderful man, my son Alex and I got to know him through the train club. I enjoyed listening to him tell stories about his time aboard ship during the war. He was so enthusiastic about model trains and the future of the club. He will be sorely missed. Our sympathies to you his family.
Paul Geyer family. - Gladstone, MI
Thoughts and prayers to the Belongie family.