Costello, Francis H.

Francis H. Costello, 75, a resident of Long Grove, Iowa, died Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, in the comfort of his home on the family farm. Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 16550 290th St., Long Grove. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery. The family will greet friends Thursday, Oct. 24, from 3 until 8 p.m. at St. Ann's, where a prayer service will be offered at 7:30 p.m. to conclude the visitation. There will be additional visitation Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass. Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home in Davenport is assisting the family with arrangements.

Francis Henry Costello was born July 11, 1938, in rural Long Grove, Iowa, a son of John L. and Catherine Anne (Grabbe) Costello. Francis was proud to have served our country, serving in the U.S. Marines Corps. He was united in marriage to Elma Rose Randolph on Jan. 17, 1959, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf. She preceded him in death on Oct. 17, 2011.

Francis, along with his wife, Elma, farmed their entire lives on the family farm. He was very proud to work the land and raise his family on the farm. His motto in life was, “raising kids and cattle.”

Some of his greatest joys in life centered on his life of farming. He found contentment watching his kids and grandkids raise and show cattle; he was a proud supporter of 4-H and FFA, Future Farmers of America. He and Elma also shared their home with numerous foster kids over the years. Francis was known to share many life lessons with any young person he knew or met; he was always willing to share his philosophy and knowledge with those around him.

He was a life member of St. Ann's Church, past president of Scott County Dairy Producers and was a one of the charter members of the NFO, National Farm Organization.

He was very proud of his registered Holstein cattle and was a life member of the Iowa and USA Holstein Association. He was a proud recipient and supporter of organ and tissue donation.

Memorials may be made to St. Ann's Catholic Church or the Iowa Donor Network.

Francis is survived by his loving children, Maggie (Jeff) Liske, Long Grove, John (Robin) Costello, Long Grove, Bartholomew (Julie) Costello, Durant, Patrick (Corie) Costello, Emporia, Kan., Timothy (Karen) Costello, Cedar Rapids, Francis (Jackie) Costello, DeWitt, Catherine (Chris) Farwell, Portland, Ore., Leo (Lori) Costello, Dubuque, Michelle (Brent) Arp, New Liberty, and Martin L. (Jen) Costello, Long Grove; 32 loving grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include his siblings, Mary (Bill) Bennett, Davenport, Rita (Dave) Smith, Bonaparte, Sharon (Ted) Spainhower, Preston, Matthew (Shirley) Costello, Eldridge, and Joseph Allen Costello, Davenport; and a sister-in-law, Connie Costello, Springfield, Ill.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Anthony Peter Costello on Feb. 16, 1982; a granddaughter, Courtney Costello on Jan. 26, 1991; a brother, John R. Costello; and a sister, Pat Kroeger. May they rest in peace.

Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Francis's obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.

Published Oct. 23, 2013 in The Gazette