Francis Cordes

February 20, 1941 - May 7, 2021

Francis Cordes of Kankakee passed away at home surrounded by family on May 7 after an extended illness. Fran was born February 20, 1941, in Limestone, the son of Vernon and Evelyn (Hamann) Cordes. He graduated from Herscher High School and became a Millwright First Class. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Judith Cordes, his children, Kim (Tom) Fisher, and Terry (Sally) Cordes and his stepchildren, Debi Sexton and Kimpa (Dave) Moss. Fran was the oldest of 7 siblings and is survived by Judy (Dave) Harvey, Dennis (Betty) Cordes, Ronnie (Barb) Cordes, Lanny (Marilyn) Cordes, Jerry Cordes, and Vickie Cordes. He is survived by his grandchildren Blake, Hunter, Clayton, Terry, Larry, Montana, Madison, Drew, Kennedy, Joshua, Chloe, Kate, Kelsey, Drew and Alexey. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Ryenne, Arlen, Brynleigh, Audri, Gianna, and Kai and many nieces and nephews. Fran served in the US Army and worked for General Foods/Quaker for 35 years. He was a volunteer with the Kankakee County 4-H program for over 50 years. He served as the 4-H Superintendent in both the rabbit and horse barns at the Kankakee County Fair in addition to serving as Chairman of the Ag and Youth Program Committee. He was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame in 2018. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial contributions to be made to the University of Illinois Foundation, 4-H Kankakee County Fund, Harker Hall, 1305 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home, 1480 West Court Street, Kankakee, IL, followed immediately by a graveside service at Memorial Gardens, 15 Lowe Rd, Kankakee, IL.