FRANCIS JOSEPH GROENE, 83, of Winfield, Kansas passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at William Newton Hospital in Winfield.

He was born August 17, 1930 in Winfield, Kansas to Anthony John and Regina Marie (Goeden) Groene. Francis graduated from Winfield High School in 1948. He served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 with the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Winfield.

Francis was an oil field pumper for Range Oil Company along with being a career farmer, which was his passion. He and DeLoris LaVon Burdette were united in marriage on August 18, 1954 at Holy Name Catholic Church.

Francis served on many boards including the Hackney Coop Board, Liberty Township Board, and the Sumner-Cowley Electric Board. He was a Charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4713 and was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. He enjoyed deer hunting and gardening along with his farming and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Loretta Werner and Margaret Null and his brothers, Raymond Groene and Leonard Groene, one great grandson, Hayden Campbell and one great granddaughter, Korbi Groene.

He is survived by:
His wife of 59 years: DeLoris Groene of Winfield;
His children: Randy Groene and wife, Mona of Ottawa, KS; Kirk Groene and wife, Becky of Winfield; Debbie Roths and husband, Donnie of Winfield; Jay Groene and wife, Cindy of Winfield; and Linda Ellis and husband, Charley of Grenola;
His brothers: Bob Groene of Sands Springs, OK; Tom Groene and wife, Gaye of Lawrence;
His sisters: Elaine Barnthouse of Winfield; Kathleen Lewis of Winfield; and Pat Deibel and husband, John of LaPorte, TX;
His grandchildren: Jason Groene and wife, Kelly, Aimee Campbell and husband Nathan, Grant Groene, Chad Groene, Justin Groene and wife, Desaree, Ryan Groene and wife, Amber, Peggy Lawrence and husband, Brian, Mollie Roths, Joshua Groene and wife, Ashley, Jaden Groene, Jeremy Groene, Jenna Groene, Jessica Ellis, Cale Ellis, and Bailee Ellis; and
His great grandchildren: Klacie, Carter and Colby Groene, Breckin, Macklin and Leighton Campbell, Tanner and Taylor Groene and Nathan Groene.

The Rosary will be recited at Holy Name Catholic Church at 7:00 P.M., Sunday, June 29, 2014. The family will greet friends at the church prior to the Rosary, from 5 to 7 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. Interment and Military Committal Honors will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been established in Francis' name for the Holy Name Catholic Church Building Fund and for the Knights of Columbus Council #4713. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.