Francis Leigh Wright

Princeton - Francis Leigh "Junior" Wright, 83, of Princeton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Liberty Village in Princeton, surrounded by care and comfort. Born on July 4, 1942, in Princeton, Illinois, Francis was the son of Everett and Harriett (Retke) Wright. Known to nearly everyone as "Junior," he was a lifelong Princeton resident who took pride in his roots and the community he called home. He graduated from Princeton High School with the Class of 1962. On July 16, 1967, Junior married his sweetheart, Ruth Ann Giesenhagen, at the First United Methodist Church in Princeton. Their 58 years together were built on love, partnership, and devotion to family. Ruth Ann was the center of Junior's world, and together they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and steady support for their children and grandchildren. Junior was a hard worker who believed in showing up, doing his best, and providing for his family. Over the years, he worked at Piggly Wiggly, Prime Way, Eagles, Sullivans. When he got off work he would then pick up shifts at the Clark's Gas Station. He would eventually find solace in his work at Champion, where he worked for 15 years before retirement. Family time was Junior's greatest joy. He loved fishing with his children and grandchildren, spending time outdoors hunting, and tending to his lawn with care and pride. He looked forward to bus trips-especially trips to Circa 21-with close friends, and he rarely missed his weekly coffee gatherings, where stories were shared and friendships were nurtured. Family vacations were treasured moments that created memories his family will forever hold dear. Junior is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Ruth Ann Wright of Princeton, IL; daughters Kathy (Darrell Fuchs) Humphreys of Princeville, IL, and Susan (Mark) Johnson of Tiskilwa, IL; son Kenny (Jessica Rockey) Wright; grandchildren Nicholas (Christina) Humphreys, Ali (Eric) Featherstone of Chillicothe, IL, Alec Johnson of Marseilles, IL, Arik Johnson of Princeton, IL, and Josh Rockey; and his cherished great-grandson, Noah Humphreys. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Harriett Wright. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Princeton Animal Care Clinic or Princeton Friends of Strays, a reflection of Junior's caring heart. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments 701 E Thompson Street, Princeton, Il 61356. Funeral services to follow at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments with Pastor Michael Hickok officiating on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 , 12:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Princeton, where Pastor Hickok will offer words of comfort. Online condolences may be shared at www.norbergfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Francis Leigh Wright

July 4, 1942 - December 10, 2025