Francis J. Sheskey

Francis Joseph Sheskey, age 94, of Janesville, WI, passed away on December 17, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on November 1, 1930, in Lost Lake, WI, the son of Henry and Jennie (Biel) Sheskey. He grew up in the Beaver Dam area and graduated from Randolph High School. Francis was a Korean War veteran having served from 1951 to 1954 in the U.S. Air Force and then continued to serve as a reserve of the Air Force in the 1970’s.

Francis married Betty J. Arndt in March of 1953. They moved to Janesville in 1955. The couple was blessed with 8 children. Francis was employed for many years as a truck driver and over the years worked for W.R. Arthur Company, Janesville Auto Transport Company (JATCO), Continental Grain Company, Bennett Motor Express, and West Coast Classics.

Francis was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. He enjoyed attending auctions, hunting, traveling, working on cars, shopping for tools, and listening to John Denver cds. In his later years he especially enjoyed the time spent with his great and great-great grandchildren. One of the highlights of Francis’ life was when he and his grandson Keith were able to go on the VetsRoll trip to Washington DC to honor veterans. He was an avid supporter of The VetsRoll, Inc., and their mission to honor veterans.

Survivors include seven children, James Sheskey of Exeland, WI, Deborah (DuWayne) Brockman of Brodhead, WI, Cheryl (Mark) Cleasby of Janesville, Roger Sheskey of Fitchburg, WI, David (Patricia) Sheskey of Janesville, Teresa Sheskey of Janesville, and Richard Sheskey of Darrington, WA; grandchildren, Carie Hooker, Dennis Sheskey, Andrew Brockman, Joshua Brockman, Keith Cleasby, Tina Cleasby, Amy Cleasby, Jennifer Serrault, Stephanie Sheskey, Jeremy Sheskey, and Alexander Sheskey; and numerous great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Twila Sheskey and Mary Wille; and brother-in-law, Kenneth (Maru) Arndt; nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Betty in 1992; his parents; daughter, Diane Covington; great-great-grandchildren, Brixx and Huxton Potterton; and siblings, Henrietta Nielsen, Betty Hopp, Maurice Sheskey, Genevieve Goeller, John Sheskey and Rosemary Sheskey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at ST. JOHN VIANNEY CATHOLIC CHURCH in Janesville, WI. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery with military rites by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post 1621. The visitation will be at the church on January 3rd from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VetsRoll.org or Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

Dad loved shopping for and wearing snap closure Western style shirts (please think of him and smile the next time you wear one). The family would like to thank SSM Health Palliative Care Nurse Carly K. APNP-CNP and SSM Health Hospice Care Nurse Stephanie P. RN, for their wonderful support and care.

The Sheskey family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.