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Francis “Babe” Korenstra, age 94, of Syracuse, peacefully went home to Heaven during his sleep early in the morning on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, at his residence.
Francis was born on Sept. 28, 1931, in Goshen, to Thomas and Jessie Dykstra Korenstra. He was a 1950 graduate of New Paris High School and lived his entire life in the New Paris, Milford and Syracuse area. On May 11, 1951, Francis married Mary Lou Smeltzer Fisher at Turkey Creek Church of the Brethren in Gravelton.
Francis was a longtime member of Greene Road Christian Reformed Church in Goshen, where he had served as an Elder. Francis will be remembered as a “Jack of All Trades.” He enjoyed working and tinkering. He could fix anything and used those skills to serve family and friends. He was an entrepreneur and worked in different occupations throughout his life. Francis valued family and friends. He was caring and felt that a good reputation was important. The family joyfully celebrated Francis and Mary Lou’s 75th anniversary in May.
Above all else, Francis loved his Lord and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Korenstra, of Syracuse; five children: Roger (Marcia) Korenstra, of Syracuse; Bruce (Sandra) Korenstra, of New Paris; Philip (Marlene) Korenstra, of Bristol; Joel Korenstra, of Syracuse; and Melinda Korenstra, of North Webster; 27 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Gary Korenstra, of Elkhart. Francis was preceded in death by his parents and 7 siblings.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Greene Road Church, 518 N. Greene Road, Goshen. A funeral service will begin Saturday at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Rick Pinckney officiating.
Memorial contributions in memory of Francis can be made to Greene Road Church.
