Francis W. Guilbault

Francis W. Guilbault, age 89, of St. Henry, passed away on Thursday May 29, 2025, at Briarwood Village in Coldwater.
He was born April 17, 1936, in Ontonagon, MI, to the late Charles Louis & Elsie (Roehm) Guilbault. Fran was the devoted husband of Mary Lou (Vassal) Guilbault, whom he married on September 6, 1955. Together, they built a loving family and life in St. Henry.
Fran is survived by his wife Mary Lou, and their children and their spouses, Craig & Lauralee Guilbault of Milwaukee, WI, Shelly & Tim McCain of Ft. Recovery, Karen & Ken Platfoot of Coldwater, Kim & Rusty Edens of Howard, Terrie & Scott Hoyng of Celina, Julie Goodson of Williston, FL, and Gary Guilbault of Walnut Grove, GA. Other surviving family members include Fran's 27 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, and siblings and in-laws: Clifford & Gloria Guilbault, Nancy & Ron Penegor, Etta Guilbault, Rosemarie Genco, Judy & John Dragonetti, Dorothy & Jack Trumble, Tom Vassal, Dave Vassal, Jim & Laura Vassal, and Deb & Steve Dart.
In addition to his parents, Fran is preceded in death by siblings and in-laws: Charlie Guilbault, Robert & Char Guilbault, Vince Genco, and Pat Vassal.
Fran was born and raised in Ontonagon, Michigan. After graduating high school, he went on to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his tour of duty Fran attended college and earned his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. He then went on and attended Ohio University, and after achieving his master's degree in 1960 he and his wife and their young family moved to St. Henry. Fran began his teaching and coaching career in St. Henry, teaching American History and College Prep English. He proudly taught for St. Henry Schools for 37 years. Fran also coached for the St. Henry Redskins boys' basketball team for 38 years and created quite a legacy. He was named MAC Coach of the year nine times and guided his teams on to the 1979, 1990, and 1991 state championships. Fran believed in instilling the love of sports in the youth, as he established and ran a popular summer recreation program for kids and he was a primary organizer of the annual St Charles Seminary Server's Picnic. In his retirement Fran volunteered for the Mercer County Historical Society and helped to document and map out the graves of the St. Henry Cemetery. He also loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's activities. Together with Mary Lou he enjoyed traveling and camping and riding his bike.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, at St. Henry Catholic Church in St. Henry. Following the funeral mass, burial with military honors will take place at St. Henry Cemetery. Friends and family may call from 2:00pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 4, and from 9:00am – 10:00am on Thursday, June 5, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry. Those who wish to honor Fran's memory may consider making a charitable contribution to the St. Henry Church or to EverHeart Hospice. Condolences for the family may be expressed in person or left at hogenkampfh.com
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