Dennis Francis, 78

Published 12:00 am Friday, September 11, 2009

Dennis E. Francis, 78, of Owatonna, formerly Faribault, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at Rice County District 1 Hospital.
Dennis Elden Francis was born Oct. 24, 1930, in Savage, the son of Mildred Francis. He attended school in Savage and then worked for Cargill Feed Mill in Savage. He entered the United States Army in January 1952 and served until December 1953. He then continued serving in the Army reserve for eight years and attended machinist school in California. After his honorable discharge he worked for Raylee Company in Los Angeles. Dennis moved to Minneapolis and there he owned and operated rental properties. He married Linda Sporleder on Nov. 27, 1965. They lived near Webster where they farmed. They later sold the farm in Webster and moved near Faribault where they raised hogs. Dennis and Linda divorced in 1997. Dennis sold the farm to his son Sean in 2008 and moved to Owatonna. 
 After suffering a stroke in May 2009, he entered the St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault. Dennis enjoyed cooking, fishing, hunting, trapping, dancing and having coffee with friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Eagles Club and Waseca Singles and Solo Parents. 
He is survived by three daughters: Wendy Francis of Faribault, Cheri (and Larry) Petersen of Webster and Susie (and Tim) Robertson of Owatonna; a son, Sean (and Mary) Francis of Faribault; six grandchildren: Trayton Robertson, Dante Robertson, Danielle Robertson, Madelyn Petersen, Alex Petersen, and Shane Harvey Francis.
He was preceded in death by his mother and a son, Shane Ervin Francis.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m.  Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Michaelson Funeral Home with the Rev. Edward McGrath officiating. Interment will be in the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit.