Francis J. Jeno, lifelong resident of Steele County, died May 25, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial is set for Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna with Rev. Michael Cronin presiding. A celebration and fellowship will follow the mass with a reception in the Parish Center at Sacred Heart. Following the reception, a horse drawn wagon, per Francis's request, will respectfully carry the casket to the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna. Military honors will be provided by Steele County Funeral Unit. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Brick–Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Road, Owatonna.) The visitation will continue one hour before the funeral liturgy at Sacred Heart. The Blooming Prairie Knight of Columbus will recite the rosary at church at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Francis was born December 15, 1932, the son of Herbert and Charlotte (Johnson) Jeno in Bridgewater Township, Rice County. He attended country school in rural Rice County. He enlisted in the Navy serving during the Korean Conflict. Francis was lovingly united in marriage to Marcella Schrom on July 24, 1952 at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna. The couple farmed in Somerset Township raising ten children. He was the owner of Francis J. Jeno Trucking, hauling livestock for many years. He was an experienced field man in the dairy industry with the majority of his employment with AMPI. He retired in 1997. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW, Historical Society, and he held various leadership positions at Holy Trinity Church, of Litomysl, as well as serving as the Grand Knight and 4th Degree Knight of the Blooming Prairie Knights of Columbus.
Francis's hobbies were enjoying fishing, traveling, bicycling, dancing, and visiting with friends and family. In his retirement he became an avid woodworker, his craftsmanship was given as memorable gifts or donations for fund raising projects. He especially enjoyed each and every member of his family.
Francis is survived by his wife, Marcella, of 61 years. His children, Wayne (Darlene) and Dale (Linda) of Owatonna; Lou Anne (Tom) Machacek of Northfield, MN; Cindy (Steve ) Wiese of Byron, MN, Pam (Barry) Tait, Julie (Jeff) Wanous of Owatonna; Scott of Kansas City, Kansas; Bruce of San Antonio, TX; Mike (Marlene) of Mount Pleasant, SC; Jeff (Christel LaPlante) of Elk River, MN, as well as his 32 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren will all miss his love, compassion and humor, but his spirit will flourish in us all. Additional survivors include, two brothers, Jim Jeno and Dan (Karen) Jeno of Faribault, MN. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Mark; granddaughter, Angela; great grandson, Brody and two brothers and one sister.
Memorials are preferred to: St. Mary's School of Owatonna; St. Isidore's School, Litomysl; The Historical Society, and St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, MN. To leave an on-line condolence go www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.
