Francis M. Dulle

Francis M. Dulle, 87, of Auburn, passed away on Friday, July 23, 2021. He was born October 23, 1933 to Edward B. and Magdalena (Schoudel) Dulle. They preceded him in death.

He graduated from St. Joe High School in 1951 where he met his high school sweetheart who became the love of his life. He married R. Joanne LaRowe in 1955 in Gig Harbor, Washington where Francis was stationed in the US Army until 1956. He then served in the Army reserves for several years. Francis worked at Potter Motors in Auburn until 1976 when he took the position as Branch Manager at Albion Production Credit (PCA) until 1985. Francis then became the Transportation Director for DeKalb Central Schools until his retirement in 1998. In retirement, he was a substitute bus driver and drove for DART. Throughout his life as a husband, brother, son and father, he was also a farmer that farmed several hundred acres and raised livestock.

Francis was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Auburn where he served as an usher for 60 years. He was also a member of the American Legion in Auburn. His mechanic background led to the love of vintage Pontiac cars.

Francis enjoyed family and friends. Annual vacations were always on the agenda, along with abroad travel with Joanne. Francis’ love of sports was a passion. He loved watching the local “Barons”, the Cubs, IU and Notre Dame. He could tell you great details about any game. Francis always loved to hear a good joke, or it could have been Francis pulling a joke on someone. His smile and laughter will always remain with those who knew him.

Along with his parents, Francis was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Joanne, his daughter Cheryl Evans, sister, Johanna Fryklind.

Francis is survived by his daughters, Tammy and her significant other Dave Pettit of Angola, Lynda and Ron Sleeper of Auburn, 8 grandchildren: Justin and Amanda Groscop of Fort Wayne, Adam Groscop of North Manchester, Isiah Dobson of Carmel, Lashae Dobson and her fiancé Todd Dion of Mishawaka, Brent and Samantha Evans of Auburn, Cory and Verity Evans of Fort Wayne, Don and Amber Hernandez of Fort Wayne, and Jeremy and Noel Sleeper of Middlebury, 15 great grandchildren, a son in law, Jeff Evans of Auburn, a brother, Ambrose and Helen of Plymouth, a brother in law, Sammy Morr of Auburn, several nieces and nephews and his faithful companion, his dog Haley.

Service will be held at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn at 10:00 a.m. Friday, followed by visitation from 11-4:30. 

A private burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Masses at Immaculate Conception Church or DeKalb Humane Society.