Francis J. Geels, 86, of Decatur, IN passed away at 2:25 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011 at his residence. He was born on March 1, 1925 in Adams County, IN to the late John and Dorothy (Steigmeyer) Geels. He married Nonna C. Kline on April 30, 1947; she passed away on April 3, 2010.

He is survived by 9 sons, Ralph (Vicky) Geels, Kenny (Lynn) Geels, Francis Jr. (Tina) Geels, Larry (Terri) Geels all of Decatur, IN, Leo Geels of Ceylon, IN, David (Lori) Geels, Edward Geels, Jerry (Kristy) Geels all of Decatur, IN and Ronnie Geels of Fort Wayne, IN; 8 daughters Jean (Pete) Swenski, Marilyn Agler both of Decatur, IN, Ellen (Steve) Musser of Berne, IN, Linda Geels, Alice (Chris) Kernstein, Joyce (Bill) Seip, Anita (Tim) Hirschy all of Decatur, IN and Janice (Peter) Van den Boom of The Netherlands; 1 brother John (Carol) Geels of Decatur, IN; 4 sisters Helen Loshe, Esther Mowery, Alice Kline all of Decatur, IN, and Marcille (David) Wall of Waynedale, IN; 39 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren. Preceded in death is a brother George Frederick "Fred" Geels.

He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur, IN. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge #1311 and The Northern Indiana Bluegrass Assn.

Francis worked as the caretaker for St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery from 1947-1969 and for Decatur Cemetery from 1975-1990. He also owned and operated Decatur Concrete Products and Geels Backhoe.

He was a renowned fiddle player and played with numerous groups including Joe Taylor & The Redbirds, The Geels Family Band, and Fiddler & Sis. He taught the fiddle with Master Artist Apprenticeship Program. He also made and repaired string instruments.

Visitation will be from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Haggard -Sefton & Hirschy Funeral Home with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 1:30 p.m.

A 9:20 a.m. Prayer Service will be held on Friday, April 15, 2011 at Haggard -Sefton & Hirschy Funeral Home followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Officiating will be Father David Voors and burial will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Society, St. Joseph Catholic School or to Family Hospice & Palliative Care.

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