Francis J. Villaire

Francis James Villaire, a loving father, businessman, and knife enthusiast, died on February 13, 2024 at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, WI, surrounded by family. He was 58.

Francis, known as “Frank” to family and friends, was born on February 16, 1965 in Detroit, MI. He was the second of four children. His late father, James Villaire, co-owned a small business called Motion Savers, Inc. His late mother, Mary Korff Villaire, was a homemaker for many years before becoming a teacher.

Frank was deeply motivated from a young age. He got his first job at age 14, in catering. Outside of work and school, Frank was passionate about music, particularly the drums. His talent earned him a scholarship to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan.

He attended L’Anse Creuse High School-North in Macomb County, MI, graduating in 1983. He then attended Indiana University Northwest, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. This was the start of a lifelong career in finance.

In 1990, he married Deanne Deborah Brogan, a homemaker, in Hammond, IN. They went on to have six children: Alyssa, born 1991; Alec, born 1994; Andrew, born 1996; Aidan, born 1997; Annaliese, born 2003; and Adam, born 2011.

Throughout his career, Frank worked for numerous steel companies including LB Steel, Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN), and, most recently, Sadoff and Rudoy Industries, where he was President and CFO.

Outside of work, Frank was a motorcycle lover and a classic car enthusiast. His favorite classic car was the Oldsmobile Cutlass. He was also passionate about high-quality, handmade knives, and over the years, he collected hundreds. His favorite brand was Tops.

Frank was the consummate family man. His wife and children were his motivation and constant priority. He loved the outdoors, particularly Northern Michigan, where he owned a cabin for many years that had previously belonged to his father. His ideal evening was spent in front of a fire or curled up with his Pug, Mabel.

Frank’s kindness and generosity were his defining qualities. He was open-minded, and even though he was a homebody, he had an adventurous spirit and never lost his curiosity about the world. He had deep faith in God, which carried him through numerous challenges, especially at the end of his life.

Frank is survived by his wife, Deanne of Fond du Lac, WI; his children, Alyssa (Joon) Villaire of Los Angeles, CA; Alec Villaire of Fond du Lac, WI; Andrew (Micaela) Villaire of Fond du Lac, WI; Aidan Villaire of Fond du Lac, WI; Annaliese Villaire of Fond du Lac, WI; and Adam Villaire of Fond du Lac, WI. He is also survived by his siblings, Jacqueline (Dave) Desposato of West Bloomfield, Michigan; Christine Villaire of Hobart, Indiana; and Steve (Christine) Villaire of Buchanan, Michigan; and by his step-mother, JoAnn Villaire of Florida.

A private Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Peter Catholic Church and burial was held in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Marytown.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation have been asked to consider Faith Lutheran School in Fond du Lac. Donations can be made via their website.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com.