Patrick James "Pat" Francissen

Patrick James Francissen was born to Nancy (née Harrison) and James Francissen on March 17, 1962, in Chicago, and passed away suddenly in St. Charles on February 15, 2026. He was the cherished father of Peter James Francissen and Katherine Anne "Katie" Francissen, whom he shared with their mother, Anne (née Fitzgerald). He was the beloved brother of Vernon (Claudia), Kathleen (Van), and Jean (John) Francissen and was preceded in death by his parents.

Pat attended St. Charles High School and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Plant Biology. While at Illinois, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, where he formed friendships that endured for a lifetime. It was also at Illinois that he met Anne, who was his sister Kathy's roommate, sparking a partnership that would bring Peter and Katie into their lives.

He had a lifelong passion for nature - particularly trees, plants, birds, and the preservation and revitalization of native ecosystems. His encyclopedic knowledge of plants transformed every walk into a roaming botany lecture, identifying the genus and species of virtually every plant along the trail and treating his companions to impromptu lessons in plant biology and Latin.

Through his company, Francissen Landscape Group, Pat's artistic vision found expression in the many landscapes he designed and built throughout St. Charles, Geneva, the Fox River Valley and beyond. He approached his work with thoughtfulness and a deep respect for the land, often preparing his landscape drawings by hand. In recognition of his craftsmanship and design excellence, Francissen Landscape Group received a Gold Award for Excellence from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association in 2007 and a Silver Award in 2008.

Though he took great pride in his landscapes, Pat was never prouder than when he spoke of Peter and Katie. They were, in every sense, the true legacy of his life's work. He deeply valued education and encouraged his children to pursue their interests with curiosity and quiet determination. Many evenings were spent around the kitchen table, where he served as a patient tutor, gently guiding Peter and Katie beyond what was required. Watching Peter earn degrees in biology and environmental science from Augustana University and later complete a master's degree in environmental science at Indiana University and seeing Katie graduate with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Case Western Reserve University were defining joys in his life.

Those who walk the wooded trails and riverbanks of the Fox River Valley may see the landscapes Pat shaped, but those who knew him best will remember the way he helped them see the natural world more closely.

Donations in Pat's memory may be made to The Conservation Foundation to support local conservation within the Fox River watershed (Donation Form) as a meaningful way to give back to the community he called home for over sixty years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring of 2026. For more information please call Yurs Funeral Home, St. Charles, 630-584-0060.