John Edward Francoli, 97, of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Mellette, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield. The family will be present to accept condolences.  The rosary and prayer service will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 27 at All Saints Catholic Church in Mellette. Reverend John Short will officiate.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mellette.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

John was born in 1927 to Anthony and Mary Louise (Rosetti) Francoli.  He graduated from Mellette High School in 1945.  After high school, John farmed the family farm south of Mellette.

He married Marlyn Braun on May 27, 1958, at All Saints Catholic Church.  They enjoyed 63 years of marriage together. They had 3 children: Janell, Marty, and Scott.

John was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Mellette and served on the finance council.  He also served on the Mellette township board. He was a great welder and enjoyed the annual butchering with all his relatives.  He enjoyed hunting, playing cards, and a good joke. He sacrificed for his family and always put them first. All of John's family is thankful and blessed for all the years spent together.

John will be greatly missed by his children Janell (Dan) Eggers of Harrisburg, SD, Marty Francoli of Mellette, SD, and Scott Francoli of Aberdeen, SD.  His grandchildren Jonah (Kaylee) Eggers of Sioux Falls, SD, and Rachel (Austin) Haak of Harrisburg, SD.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law Erlaine Braun.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marlyn; his parents Anthony and Mary Louise Francoli; sister Rosemary Heber, and brothers-in-law Joe Heber and Raymond Braun.