Francis Garing

Francis Garing, 83, of Palm City, Florida, passed away on August 23, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with osteosarcoma. He was born on May 27, 1942, to Leo and Marie (Bessler) Garing of Kentland, Indiana.

After graduating from Kentland High School in 1960, he attended Purdue University, where he began cultivating the knowledge that would support a long and successful career in agricultural science. Francis spent 30 years working for DeKalb Corn and later Monsanto, during which he was awarded several patents for his contributions to the industry—a testament to his innovation, expertise, and dedication.

He was married to Phyllis (Donahue) Garing for 62 years, and together they built a loving and devoted family.

Outside of work, Francis had a passion for gardening, which brought him joy and peace throughout his life. He found great satisfaction in nurturing plants and watching them thrive—a reflection of the care he gave to everything and everyone around him. He also enjoyed cheering on Purdue basketball, showing lifelong pride in the university, he once attended.

Surviving, along with his wife Phyllis, are his daughter, Shawn (husband: Tom) Paulus and his grandchildren: Jacob and Payton Garing, Samantha Garing, and Rachel Paulus. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Garing; sisters, Marsha (husband: Gene) Miiller and Marlene Sondgerath; and sisters-in-law, Helen and Barbara Garing.

Preceding him in death, along with his parents, are his sons, Timothy and John Garing; brothers Harry, Bob, and Buster Garing; and sister, Marilyn Mathew.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Francis Garing will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Kentland, Indiana. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to join in remembering his legacy and sharing stories of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancreatic.org) in his memory.