Judy Francis (nee Gruenloh), aged 79 years, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 12, 2024 surrounded by her loving family, friends and beloved dog Sassy.
Judy was born to her loving mother Margaret Gruenloh (nee Hunn) and Louis Gruenloh, both deceased (2010, 1965 respectively) in St. Charles Missouri on the June 30th, 1944.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Barbara (Charles) Dalton, Carol (David) Stross, and Jolene Jungers.
Judy grew up with her sisters in Florissant, Wentzville and St. Charles, Missouri where she graduated from St. Charles High School in 1962. She waited tables at Pio's Restaurant on Clay Street and then after high school attended St Louis University for a short time and was employed on campus.
Judy was a devout St. Louis Cardinals fan and in 1965 she went to work for the baseball club at their brand-new Busch Stadium home in downtown St. Louis where she worked in the ticket office as administrative assistant to the ticket director Mike Bertani until 1980. Judy served as Assistant Administrator of Player Development working with the farm teams and spring training in Florida. She worked for the cardinals for more than 40 years, retiring after the new stadium opened in 2006. Her years with the club were endeared even greater when she was able to work with her sisters and niece at the stadium offices as well. Judy's many decades with the Cardinals created strong relationships with players, coaches and staff that continue to marvel her family and friends to this day.
Judy was an amazing sister, aunt and friend who always thought of others before herself. She always went above and beyond at Christmas, her favorite time of year, with decorations, gifts and treats! She was often busy with handy-crafts, creating presents and even Halloween costumes for her family. In 1979 Judy married Dennis Francis, a St. Louis City Police Officer she had met at the stadium and welcomed his two children into the family. Over the years she enjoyed her time fishing at Truman Lake.
Judy enjoyed her retirement, living with her sister Jolene and attending St. Charles Borromeo Church where they both were active in the Ladies Sodality, creating crafts to sell and working countless picnics, luncheons and fund raisers. She also kept attending Cardinal games, both at home and at spring training. She loved shopping but almost always for other people. She was forever on the lookout for things she thought someone could use or enjoy.
Judy is survived by her nephews, Charles (Lynn ) Dalton, Russell Dalton, Kevin (Jan) Dalton, Darren Stross, and Jeff (Kathy) Jungers; her nieces, Kim Kleeschulte, and Stacy (Chris) Cronhardt; her great-nephews, Matthew (Dawn) Kleeschulte, Charles Dalton, Tyler (Danielle) Hollandsworth, Wyatt (Brittany) Dalton, Clayton (Peyton) Dalton and Ian Cronhardt; her great-nieces, Kelly (Michael) Dineen, Jacquelynn (Brian) Ackerman, Megan (Stephen) Erspamer, Lauren Sheldon, Ella Cronhardt and Ava K Jungers; her step-daughter, Tracy Tyler; and her step-granddaughter, Kayla (Jeremy) Noe; and her beloved dog, Sassy. She will be dearly missed by many extended family members, cousins and friends.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am; Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Fifth and Decatur Streets, St Charles, MO 63301. A luncheon will follow at Pio's Restaurant, 403 First Capitol Dr, St Charles, MO 63301. Cemetery Internment will be private.
The family is asking for all of those attending the funeral to consider wearing at least one STL Cardinal item or even your full opening day attire in honor of Judy.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to: St. Charles Borromeo Ladies Sodality
or 5 Acres Animal Shelter at
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