ROBERT E. FRANCIS

Robert E. Francis, age 87, of Orfordville, died on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville.

He was born on June 27, 1934, in Rockford, Illinois, to the late Philip and Carolyn (Mapes) Francis.

He married Maureen Reavis on Jan. 4, 1954.

He worked all of his life as an electrician and pastored a church for 16 years.

In 1971 he took his family to Madagascar to do electrical work on the mission field for 10 months.

In retirement, he enjoyed building furniture, toys, and ornaments for the kids and grandkids. Family was always very important to him.

His favorite post-retirement job was driving cars for Burtness Chevrolet, seeing new places and meeting new people.

He enjoyed sports, watching the Packers, and reading. He was a good storyteller.

He is survived by his wife Maureen, their five children: Debbie (Mike) Spencer, Vickie (Brett) Condon, Robert (Mary) Francis, Dennis (Barbara) Francis, and Sara (Shawn) Nolan; 17 grandchildren: Jon Spencer, Jacob Spencer, Joshua Condon, Andrew Condon, Israel Condon, Elisha Condon, Abigail Condon, Nathaniel (Kari) Francis, Laura (Jeremiah) Borke, Marcus (Scarlett) Francis, Ethan (Stefanie) Francis, Garrett (Erica) Francis, Luke (Katherine) Francis, Rebecca (Timothy) Conley, Grant (Laura) Francis, Conner Nolan, and Catelyn Nolan; granddaughter-in-law Amber Condon; and 37 great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers Duke (Meme) and Phil (Betty) and sister Donna Kalson.

He was further preceded in death by a brother Ben; a brother-in-law Joe Kalson; one grandson Justin Condon; and twin great grandsons.

The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice and St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion.

Memorial services were held April 10 at the DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead. Cremation rites have been accorded and burial of cremains will take place at the Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.