Francis Joseph Hawk

Francis Joseph Hawk, age 85, of Mt. Carroll, IL, passed away on May 9, 2025, at Freeport Memorial Hospital. A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, May 15, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll, with a memorial service at 6p.m. Burial will take place on a later date, at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Mt. Carroll.

Francis, or Mick, as many knew him, was born November 26, 1939, in Thomson, IL. He earned his nickname because he was especially short as a child, so some family members called him Mickey Mouse as a joke; thus, “Mick” stuck. He attended school in Thomson and Chadwick, respectively, before graduating from Mt. Carroll High School with the class of 1957.

Following graduation, Francis served in the United States Army Reserves for a short time, then after his honorable discharge, he began construction work. Later he made a career as a forklift operator for Elkay.

On November 29, 1958, Francis married Carol Ann Bardell at SS John and Catherine Catholic Church, in Mt. Carroll. He served as a member of the Mt. Carroll City Council and spent much of his free time in his wood shop. He created many gifts for family and friends over the years, ranging from tables to clocks. But his favorite works were the fire engine and Army truck models he created.

In his younger years he and the girls made many memories spear fishing in the local creeks, and becoming engaged with the local boy scout troop. As he grew older, Francis developed a love for gardening, growing vegetables as late as last season. Mick also enjoyed watching and feeding the birds outside his kitchen window.

Francis will be dearly missed by his four daughters, Celine Bogue, of Mt. Carroll, Cynthia (Leo) Gimm, of Farmington, MN, Mary (Brian) Maszk, of Mt. Carroll, and Diana Richard, of Cleveland, TN; six grandchildren, Adam (Logan), Jason, Chad (Lauren), Cara (Ryan), Joe (Alicia), and Duncan; three step-grandchildren, Kelly, Kory, and Kailea (Josh); nine great-grandchildren; brother, William (Jeanine) Hawk; many nieces and nephews; and friend and neighbor, Brian Heitter. Francis is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary; wife, Carol; and sisters, Cecelia (Leo) Zemke and Barbara (Alvin) Schnitzler.