Francis " Fran " J. Zemgulis

FRANCIS JUSTIN ZEMGULIS, age 80, of Lagrange, Ohio, entered Heaven on December 5, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on February 17, 1945, he lived a life defined by service, hard work, curiosity, faith, and a deep and steady devotion to those he loved.

Loving husband of 54 years to Barbara Ann (deceased); father of Marcella Werner (Michael) and the late Joseph A.; former father-in-law of Lorie; beloved grandfather of Zach and Kayla; son of Genevieve and Frank Zemgulis (both deceased); beloved brother of Bonnie DeChant (Doug) ( deceased), and Rita Clouse (deceased) (Will); son-in-law of Marshall and Ella (née Dozier) (both deceased); and brother-in-law of Elsie Ray (deceased), Dorthy Reynolds (Jerry), Alice Baughman (Dael) ( deceased), and Jack (deceased).

Francis (Fran, or Zemo to those who knew him) was a proud graduate of St. Ignatius High School, where he built lifelong values of integrity, perseverance, and service to others. Soon after, he served in the United States Air Force, an experience that further shaped his sense of duty, discipline, and commitment.

Following his service, he began what would become a remarkable 41-year career with Ford Motor Company. His work ethic, reliability, and problem-solving spirit earned the respect of all who worked alongside him.

A man grounded in his love for Jesus, he carried his faith quietly but sincerely, guiding his actions, his generosity, and the way he treated others—with patience, kindness, and grace.

In retirement, he embraced the things that brought him joy: spending time with his grandchildren, fishing with his wife and friends, woodworking, and tending to an ever-growing collection of tools. He loved fixing things—anything, really—and lived by the motto, “Work smarter, not harder,” a phrase he both believed in and taught by example.

He had a tender spot for his dogs and took pride in his garden. He was a true fan of sweets, known to stop at bakeries along his travels to pick up pastries to share with loved ones. He also had a special fondness for fresh produce—fruit, sweet corn, cucumbers—and would happily go out of his way to visit farm stands in search of the very best.

Above all, he was patient, loving, and unfailingly kind. He saw life as an adventure and approached each day with curiosity, gratitude, and a quiet joy that touched everyone who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives were blessed by his presence.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 10 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace on Erie St. in Grafton, Ohio. Francis will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Grafton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Francis’ memory can be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Grafton, Ohio, where Francis was a parishioner, or to the Thomas P. Perciak Family Residential Hospice. The staff there are truly doing God’s work, and our family is eternally grateful for their grace and mission.

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