Francis Joe Starcevic

Francis Joe Starcevic, age 96, of Albia, IA, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Francis was born on February 26, 1927, on a farm in Hiteman, Iowa, to Joseph and Mary (Thomas) Starcevic. He attended Hiteman Elementary School and graduated from Albia High School in 1946. While attending Albia High School, he was a varsity starting basketball guard and was known for his half-court shots. On November 19, 1947, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, he married his long-time sweetheart, Virgene Flahive. Together they raised a son, Joseph Francis and a daughter, Debra Jean. Francis worked at John Morrell in Ottumwa from 1946 until the plant closing in 1973. He was then employed by John Deere from 1973 until his retirement in 1989. His children and grandchildren kept him busy as he followed their fine arts and athletics through college. Francis was a proud member of the UAW and was the last surviving charter member of the Albia Knights of Columbus. Francis was a hard worker and was always willing to lend a hand to whomever needed his help. Survivors include his wife of 76 years, Virgene of Albia; his son Joseph (Jan) Starcevic of Albia; his daughter Debra (Jim) Plantz of Tama; honorary children, Kynn and Georgia Schulz of Rochester; 6 grandchildren, Mike (Alexandra) Plantz, Katie (Ben) Cecak, Andrew (Abbi) Starcevic, Matthew Starcevic, Tiffany (Josh) Piotrowicz, and Mallory (Matt) Lentz; 6 great grandchildren, Elin, Ella, and Beckham Plantz, Natalie and Emily Cecak, and Evelyn Lentz; sisters-in-law, Donna Starcevic of Albia, Carolyn Timmins of Windsor Heights, Pat Farneth of Cato, NY, Kathleen Crall of Albia, Shirley (Gordon) Massman of Centerville, Sandra Flahive of Des Moines, and Judy (Gary) Loebig of Austin, TX; and brothers-in-law, Martin (Mary Jo) Flahive of Dallas, TX, and Jim (Mary) Flahive of Omaha, NE. Francis is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Joseph and Mary Starcevic; his in-laws, Martin and Marcella Flahive; brothers, George (Muriel) Starcevic and Jim Starcevic; and sisters, Rosella (Wendell) Bettis and Dorothy (DeWayne) Heaton. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Francis’s family present to greet family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Mark Yates, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. Memorials have been established to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia.

Francis Joe Starcevic

February 26, 1927 - October 18, 2023