Francis Joseph Biglin

Francis Joseph Biglin, age 96, of Crestline, died Tuesday morning, July 30, 2024 at Avita Health System- Ontario Hospital.

Francis was born March 30, 1928 in Richland County, Shelby, Ohio to the late Henry and Rosella (Nelson) Biglin. Starting at General Motors in Ontario when it opened in 1956, Francis worked there until 1987 when he retired. A lifelong farmer, he began with his father as a young boy and proudly farmed until the age of 92. He loved his farm and working the land.

A lifelong and devoted member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Francis proudly and consistently was the first to arrive for Mass. He was currently their oldest living member. For hobbies, playing euchre was certainly on the list as he played often, especially at the Shelby Senior Center. Together with his late wife, Marie, they enjoyed traveling and square dancing and were members of the Shelby Moose Lodge. Later in life, at the age of 80, Francis even took up western square dancing. Francis enjoyed watching baseball as an avid Cleveland Indians fan and enjoyed daily meetings with friends at both McDonalds and Diner 39 in Shelby. Of course, when traveling to all these ventures, Francis could easily be spotted in his blue 1989 Buick- a car he purchased brand new for Marie, which he has proudly driven well over 200,000 miles.

Francis is survived by his children: Gary (Donna) Biglin of Shelby, Gene (Sue) Biglin of New Washington, Dan (Sally) Biglin of Shelby, Mike (Jean) Biglin of Shelby, Amy (Mark) Gerster of Mansfield, and Tom (Lisa) Biglin of North Auburn; grandchildren: Andy (Marcia) Biglin, John (Angela) Biglin, Stephanie (Jason) Benton, Rachel Hamilton (Clint Liersemann), Angela Ronaldson (Kris Hon), Lee (Nikki) Biglin, Kali Biglin (Adam Garrett), Jenna Biglin, Andrea (Anthony) Johnston, Julie (Kevin) Nichols, David Gerster, Ian (Deseree) Gerster, Allison Biglin (Nash Ehresman), Alexis Biglin (Dalton Sheaffer), and Cory Biglin; great grandchildren: Libby, Wyatt, Tessa, Garrett, Kyleigh, Grant, Elijah, Ben, Natalie, Sophia, Samantha, Ashton, Colton, Carter, Keira, Charley, Leo, Grace, Nolan, Harrison, and two girls on the way due January 2025; sisters: Virginia Steiner and Alice Metzger; sister-in-law: Jane Wetzel; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Francis was preceded in death by his wife: Marie Louise (Peyssard) Biglin on November 19, 2005; son: Joseph H. Biglin; siblings: Eileen Huggins, Rosemary Bertke, Margaret Bertke, Howard Biglin, and Lawrence Biglin; and special friend: Ruth Pittenger.

The family would like to thank the staff of both the Willows at Willard and Avita Health System- Ontario Hospital for their kindness and care of Francis.

Family and friends are welcome on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where a wake service will be held at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Bethlehem, Shelby Settlement with Fr. Jeff Smith celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery and memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Online  condolences may be left on Francis’ obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).