Franklin Jalee Fosdick, 88, of Fairbury, passed away at 4:00 pm Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Goldwater Care in Pontiac.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 1st, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Fairbury.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Sunday, June 30th, 2024 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. There will also be a visitation from 10:00 – 10:45 am on Monday prior to the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be left to the Illinois Archeology Society or the First Baptist Church of Fairbury.

Franklin was born February 7th, 1936 in Fairbury, the son of Ernest and Elizabeth (Ehrman) Fosdick. On November 4th, 1956 he married Norma Martin. Together they had two daughters and were married for 67 years. Norma preceded Franklin in death earlier this year.

Franklin is survived by his daughters: Carol Bergfield, of Champaign; and Mary Beth (Steve) Crews, of Fairbury. He is also survived by his brother, Marshall (Jean) Fosdick, and Brother-In-Law, Gene Wiles. Franklin has five grandchildren: Tyler (Cynthia) Bergfield, Crystal Bergfield, Lee (Jennifer) Bergfield, Ramie (Jacob) Flegel, and Devin (Callie) Crews and 5 great grandchildren: Lena, Logan, Omi, Maddox, and Mila.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his infant son, Harley Ernest Fosdick; a grandson, Jake Crews; brother, Arthur Fosdick; and sister, Betty Wiles.

Franklin was a graduate of Fairbury High School in the class of 1954. He worked for many years as a poultry processor at the Fosdick poultry plant. He was also a truck driver for many years and then later in life worked for the City of Fairbury. Since 1951 Franklin was a member of the Illinois Archeology Society - he was an avid arrowhead hunter. He walked many fields to find his arrowheads and his collection grew to be one of the largest in central Illinois. He also loved going to the races. Franklin had a wonderful sense of humor and was a great storyteller. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. Franklin was deeply loved by his family and he will be missed dearly. His family looks forward to seeing him again.