Francis A. Harrington

Francis Anthony Harrington, age 91, of Britt, died peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday March 25th, 2014 at the Westview Care Center in Britt, Iowa.

Funeral services for Francis Harrington will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 3rd Street SE in Britt with Fr. Dennis Miller officiating.  Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2014 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary and scriptural wake service beginning at 6:00 PM.  Visitation will also continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.  

Francis, son of Robert and Anna (Lorenz) Harrington, was born on May 25th, 1922 in Britt. He graduated from Britt High School in 1940 where he played trombone in the band and violin in the orchestra.

Francis attended Loras College in Dubuque for two years and the Lewis School of Aeronautics in Chicago, before enlisting in the U.S. Army during WW II.

On June 9th, 1949, he was married to Georgia Kriz at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, Iowa. The couple farmed east of Woden and raised a family of seven sons and one daughter.

Francis was active in the Knights of Columbus and American Legion and was a church organist for many years.

In August 1988 Francis and Georgia retired and moved to Britt where they were members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Francis had steadfast faith, dedication, and generosity that enriched the lives of countless individuals and charitable organizations. He treasured his family, music, and nature. Francis delighted in conversation during family dinners and holding his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Francis and Georgia enjoyed sharing their musical talents at the church and at the local care centers. He also had a very special connection to nature throughout his life as a farmer, taking time to appreciate birds, animals, flowers, and the simple pleasure of being outdoors.

Francis is survived by children: John (Kathy) Harrington of Stillwater, MN; Thomas (Kim) of Olathe, KS; Dr. William (Dr. Gloria) of Mount Pleasant, SC; Paul of Woden; James of West Des Moines; Joseph of Checotah, OK; Mary (Mike) Mahoney of Des Moines; Dr. Philip of Grinnell; sisters Marie (Clarence) Ludeke of Pecatonica, IL; Gertrude (Robert) Weldon of Cedar Rapids.

Francis is also survived by his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren: Joel Harrington, Anna Keefe, Molly Hilgenberg, Andrew Harrington, Julianne Harrington, Michael Harrington, Katie Harrington, Elaine Harrington, Steven Harrington, Sarah Harrington, Justine Harrington, Jasmine Harrington, Jena Harrington, Jonathan Mahoney, Daniel Mahoney, Emma Harrington, and Olivia Harrington; Davis Harrington, Vivian Harrington, Brian Harrington.

Francis was preceded in death by his dear wife Georgia, his parents Robert and Anna, brothers James and Daniel, sister Catherine, and two brothers in infancy, Robert and Phillip.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Summit House, Westview Care Center, and Hospice of North Iowa for their tender loving care during the past few months.

In honor of Francis the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to: St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus or the Britt Food Pantry.