Francisco G. Corpus

Francisco Gamez Corpus, 70, Green Bay, passed away at his home on Sunday, September 2, 2012, with his family by his side. Francisco was born June 4, 1942 in Elmwood, MI, to the late Santos and Escolastica Maria (Gamez) Corpus.

Francisco lived most of his childhood in San Antonio, Texas. He was 17yrs old when his family moved to the Green Bay area in 1959. During his younger years, he was a migrant worker, traveling with his family to pick crop, which in turn influenced his career path. On August 31, 1977 he married Maria Vasquez and they had 5 children together. Wanting to provide a better life for himself and his family, he began working at United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) in 1975. Through his work, he helped many other migrant families find permanent housing and employment. Being able to help other families improve their own lives gave him great pleasure.

Francisco was a wonderful, caring father and grandfather with a great heart and sense of humor. He very much enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren whom he adored. Francisco also enjoyed going out with his wife, Maria, friends y todo los compadres; talking, dancing and laughing until the wee hours. He and Maria are godparents (padrinos) to many godchildren, a testament to what his family and friends believed they could provide in spiritual guidance. Spirituality was a big part of his life and he always found solace in talking with Fr. Ken DeGroot of St. Willebrord and his friends from the Barn Men's Bible Study.

Francisco is survived by his wife of 36 years, Maria, and their children: Juan Corpus (Nichole Baker), Veronica Corpus-Dax (Paul Dax), Carlos Corpus (Janet Mora), and Gregorio Corpus; and eight grandchildren: Mya Marchant, Lola & Frida Dax, Ivan & Cortez Corpus, Luis Diaz, and Dominic & Mauricio Corpus. He is further survived by his 8 brothers and sisters: Maria Elena (Benito) Sanchez, Antonio Corpus, Santos (Magdalena) Corpus Jr, Virginia (Pilar) Hernandez, Irene (Thomas) Derenne, David (Donna) Corpus, Elizabeth (William) Gordon, Ernesto (Sharon) Corpus, and James (Sue) Corpus; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ernesto Corpus and Roger Corpus; one son, Ramiro Corpus; sister-in-law, Jeanne Corpus; and nieces, Natalie Corpus and Olga Sanchez.

Family and friends may call Thursday, September 6, 2012 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm with a parish prayer service at 7:30pm. Visitation will continue on Friday at St. Willebrord Catholic Church, 209 S. Adams St., Green Bay, from 9:00am until 10:15am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Friday at 10:30am with Rev. Andrew Cribben officiating.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Francisco's memory.

Thank you to family and friends for the continued love and support. A special thank you to the staff at Unity Hospice for their support and help over the last three months and to the hospitals and clinics throughout the Green Bay area.