Francis "Beefy" Cathelyn

Francis Cathelyn, 93, of Geneseo, IL passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Hammond Henry Hospital Long Term Care in Geneseo, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St Malachy Catholic Church in Geneseo, IL. Father Daniel Gifford will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo, IL. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A recitation of the rosary will be before visitation at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Francis Cathelyn Memorial Fund, to be dispersed amongst local charities.

Francis Cathelyn was born on September 4, 1931, in Atkinson, IL, the son of Frank and Louise (Doubler) Cathelyn. He graduated from Atkinson High School in 1948. He served 2 years in Korea with the United States Army. He later met and married the love of his life, Joan Heirbrandt in October of 1955. She precedes him in death. Francis purchased Meier Construction in 1971, and it later became Cathelyn Construction Company. Francis was an active member of the community as a member of the local VFW, the American Legion, the Holy Name Society, the Isaac Walton League, Forty & Eight organization, and many other committees at church. He especially enjoyed going out to his strip mine property in Atkinson and enjoying nature.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Gary Cathelyn of Geneseo, IL; daughter in law, Cindi Cathelyn of Geneseo, IL; grandchildren, Ryan (Abbey) Cathelyn of Atkinson, IL, Nicole (Eric) Rowold of Geneseo, IL, Kelli (John Humphrey) Cathelyn of Charleston, SC; great grandchildren, Ryley, Ida, Lillian Rowold, Juniper Cathelyn and Kane Fuelling.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lousie; wife, Joan; son, Rick Cathelyn, and brother, Wilbur Cathelyn.