Francis Leloux

Rock Valley, IA: Francis Leloux, 93, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Hegg Health Center of Rock Valley. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 9, at 10:30 AM at First Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Matthew Haan officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.christianworldmedia.com/livechannel/firstcrcrv. Burial, with military rites, will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Sunday, January 8, from 2:30-4:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

   Francis Leloux was born on June 25, 1929, in Lester, IA, son of Cornelius (Case) and Wilhemina (Mailand) Leloux. They lived on a farm southwest of Alvord, IA, and were members of the Reformed Church in Lester. He attended school in Alvord through the 8th grade. Francis worked for various farmers in the area; purchased a baler and also did some custom baling. He also worked for Van Abbema’s Machine Shop. The family later moved to town in Alvord.

   Francis met the love of his life on July 3, 1949, when he came to Rock Valley, IA, in a 1938 coupe. Francis and Bertha (Bakker) were engaged on February 27, 1951, and were married on December 17, 1951, while Francis was home on furlough. Francis served in the US army from July 1951 until July of 1953. They established their home on 15th Street in Rock Valley where they raised a family of 5 sons and 2 daughters. In October of 2020 they made their home at Whispering Heights. Francis was a member of the Reformed Church in Lester and later became a member of First Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley. He started his work career in Rock Valley at Van Zee’s Ready Mix and then worked for the City of Rock Valley for 37 years. He sharpened many disc blades for extra cash and us kids loved it when Dad would bring the creme horns from the Bakery as a treat when he came home! Upon retirement Dad enjoyed mowing the lawn and gardening. He enjoyed helping his children in any way that he could. He loved “joyriding” whether it was in the S-10 pick-up or his wheelchair! He was a very patient and kind Father and a great role model.

   Those left to cherish his memory are his 7 children: Alvin (Sue) Leloux, Joyce (Lyle) Van Engen, Loren (Milinda) Leloux, Ron (Darletta) Leloux, Gene (Carla) Leloux, Barb (Darwin) Vink, and Evan (Rhonda) Leloux; 22 grandchildren: Jay (Sheila), Lisa (Kelly), Tricia (Kyle), Gretchen (Adam) Dawn (Brad), Darci (Curtis), Marcus (Megan), Kyle (Cindy), Shanna, Michael (Michelle), Keith (Jacque), Lucas (Millie), Jessica (Rob), Kalsie (Dustin), Alicia (Preston), Emileann (Cody), Jonathan (Brooke), Ryan (Kelli), Keisha, Jarod, Jacob (Mary Kate), and Davis; 46 great grandchildren; brother, Jim (Shirley) Leloux; sister-in-law, Mary Lee Leloux; and many nieces and nephews.

   Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha; parents, Case & Wilhemina Leloux; sisters, Rika Van Den Top and Tina Moser; brothers; Henry (Heinie) Leloux, Richard Leloux and an infant brother, Franciscus Leloux; brothers-in-law, George Van Den Top and Louis Moser; and sister-in-law Grazella Leloux.