Ronald "Ron" Dean Francis

RONALD DEAN FRANCIS was born to William “Bud” and Leona (Heidecker) Francis in Julesberg, Colorado on February 3, 1937. Shortly after Ron was born the family moved to a farm in Grange Township, where Ron was raised. Ron attended country school until the 7th grade, after which he attended Pipestone High School, graduating in 1955. After high school, Ron attended Hamlin University in Minneapolis, Minnesota for two years and then moved with friends to Florida and worked numerous jobs. Ron moved back to Minnesota and took a job with Donaldson’s Department Store as a main floor manager. This is where he met his beautiful wife, Judith. They were married on April 15, 1961. Ron and Judy lived for one year in Minneapolis where they had their first child, Bryan. Farming was always Ron’s true occupation and in October 1962 they returned to the family farm in Grange Township. Ron and Judy had three more children after returning to Pipestone, Lisa, Diane, and Linda. Ron spent his life farming, raising at different times milk cows, hogs, stock cows, and always crop farming.

Ron was a life-long member of Peace United Methodist Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He was involved in various church councils and boards during this time. Ron enlisted with the National Guard out of high school and served for 10 years. He has served the majority of his life on the Grange Township board and was always proud of his involvement in the bettering of his township community and its members.

Ron was a true lover of current events and was a voracious reader, outshining his family combined in numbers of books read over his years. He and Judy loved dancing and they spent many evenings out with friends at the local dance halls. As his daughters got older and had the opportunity, each one loved when Dad would take them for a turn on the dance floor. Ron and Judy enjoyed traveling, but no more so than their trips to visit their daughter, Diane. Ron and Judy were involved in a card club for many years where Ron enjoyed not only the cards, but moreover, being able to spend time conversing with his neighbors and friends. In his later years, Ron enjoyed this type of conversing at the coffee shop daily, always surveying the crops on his drive home.

Ron took great pride in his family and his farming, having spent much of his farming career in partnership with his son, Bryan. He raised his children to appreciate the value of hard work, not only through his words but also watching his devotion to his occupation. Ron blended a very strong, confident personality with a fun-loving spirit and his boisterous, bold laughter will be missed. He and his wife Judy made an amazing team, loving each other and their children and grandchildren first and foremost.

On Saturday, March 10, 2018, Ron entered into the Pipestone County Medical Center where he passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at the age of 81 years, one month, and 10 days.

Ron is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, and 11 months, Judith of Pipestone; three children, Bryan Francis of Pipestone, MN, Diane Francis of Roseville, CA, and Linda (Tim) Erickson of Pipestone; two grandchildren, Matthew Helm of Minneapolis, MN and Brianna Helm of Roseville, MN; one brother, Delwin (Barbara) Francis of Grass Valley, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa (Francis) Helm; his parents, William and Leona (Wilson) Francis; one brother, Robert Francis; and one nephew, Jeremy Francis.