John F. "Fran" Barrett

John Francis Barrett (Fran), age 92, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at home. He was born on May 29, 1932 in Janesville, WI to John D. and Esther (Farrington) Barrett. He proudly grew up in a farming family on former Highway 184, attending Hubbell School. On bad weather days, he and his siblings hitched a ride to school on the milk truck.
Fran graduated from Edgerton Senior High School with the Class of 1950, and he enjoyed their monthly reunion lunches in recent years and months. He received "greetings" from "his friends and neighbors" to serve his country in the Army during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Alaska from 1952-1954.
He married Phyllis Jean Lilburn on July 30, 1960 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Janesville, and raised their family in Edgerton, settling in a tight-knit neighborhood, forming many lasting friendships.
During his career, he worked at many manufacturing companies in the area, but his favorite job was at the Farmer's Warehouse where he perfected tying a Miller's knot. In addition, he took pride in serving as the caretaker for St. Joseph's Cemetery, like his father before him.
Fran was proud of his Irish heritage and readily enjoyed a beer with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan, especially Badger Football, the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, as well as any sport his kids and grandkids participated in. Most importantly, he loved being surrounded by his large family of kids and grandkids. One of his final joys was meeting his great granddaughter Blake, just weeks before his passing.
Fran is survived by his children: Terri (Duane) Matelski, Mary Barrett, Bill (Vicky) Barrett, Gary Barrett, Wayne (Julie) Barrett, Colleen (Jerome) Reilly, and Karen (Stephen) Ziegeweid; grandchildren: Chris, Nick (Kaitlyn), and Matt Barrett; Sam Matelski; Codey and Emily (Ramon) Barrett; James, Jack, Kealey, and Kennedy Ziegeweid; sister: Rose Hatlen and sister-in-law: Marilyn (Dave) Prudhomme. He was preceded in death by his wife: Phyllis; parents: John and Esther; 2 children: infant Patricia and Robert; brothers: James and Paul; and sisters: Jean Ballmer and Connie Tobin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Bosco officiating. Visitation will be Monday, April 28, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Edgerton and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Fran's name to the Edgerton Lions Club and Badger Honor Flight. www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com