Francis Joseph Ruddy Jr, a long time resident of Chesaning, Michigan, died on February 2, 2023, at the age of 87. He was born on July 6, 1935, the son of Francis Ruddy Sr. and Julia (Rousseau) Ruddy and grew up in Mt. Morris where he was a 1954 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He made his career with AC Spark Plug, General Motors in Flint, a time that was interrupted when he left to serve his country in the U.S. Army--he returned and enjoyed over thirty-seven years there before his retirement in 1991.

 

Francis married the love of his life, Loraine Gengler on November 26, 1960, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chesaning. Together, they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. He was an active member with the Knights of Columbus, enjoyed coaching little league baseball, serving as a marching band chaperone, many bowling leagues, managing summer camping at Showboat Park, and volunteering at the Saginaw County Fair. He and Loraine enjoyed twenty-five winters in Kissimmee, Florida, where he relished the opportunity to serve at the Houston Astros spring training complex for eighteen seasons. They also enjoyed travelling, attending their grandkid's activities, playing cards, family gatherings, watching the Detroit Tigers with Loraine, and time spent at Higgins Lake where Francis built their cabin in 1967.

 

Francis is survived by his beloved wife, Loraine Ruddy; children, Kim (Craig) Meixelsperger, Kristina Ruddy, Mark (Michelle) Ruddy; grandchildren, Kailee Ruddy (Austin Labonte), Mary (Kyle) Tomlinson, Matthew Farnham, Alexander, Isabella, and Alayna Ruddy; great grandchildren, Toby and Brooklyn; siblings, Sr. Rena Ruddy, Michael (the late Ruth Ann) Ruddy, Faith (Dave) Abbott, Mary Ellen (the late Tom) Santocke, sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret and Sue Ruddy, Dale (Helen) Gengler, Jerry (Ann) Gengler, Shirley (the late Ken) Schnell, Ken (Judy) Gengler, Diane Hart, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Lois (Barry) Burke, Leo (Margaret) Ruddy, Bernard (Sue) Ruddy, Ruth (Joe) Schroeder, Jean (Leonard) Hemgesberg, Dorothy (Fred) Schwartz, and Patrick Ruddy; in-laws, Leo (Grace) Gengler, Mildred (Dale) Dankert, and Ron Gengler.

 

Visitation will be held at McGeehan Funeral Homes, Martin Chapel, 316 W. Broad St., Chesaning, on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at from 2-7 PM with a K of C Rosary at 7PM.

 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter Parish, 404 S. Wood St., Chesaning, on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 11AM. (Mass may be viewed below via livestream) Cremation will follow. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Peter Parish or to Chesaning Parks & Recreation.