Leo Walter Francis

Leo W. Francis, 82 of Vanderbilt, passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Aspen Ridge Retirement Village in Gaylord. 

Born on April 20, 1941, on the family dairy farm in Elmira, he was the son of Walter and Mary (Fiel) Francis.  He grew up on the farm, where seven generations of his family have now lived or visited.   Leo attended St. Mary’s Schools in Gaylord. 

In 1997, Leo retired from a career as a plumber with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, working both locally and throughout the state.

In his spare time, he was an avid hunter who especially enjoyed deer and bear hunting.  He also enjoyed gardening and travel, having visited 47 of our 50 states.  Family and friends will also remember his love of polka music and dancing.

Leo is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his children, Douglas (Colleen) Francis, Dennis (Tracy) Francis, Laura (Donald Sevenski) Francis, and Sharon Lucas; step children, Keith (Sue) Sides, John (Janet) Sides, and Doug (Karen) Sides; ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; three step grandchildren and one step great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rose Ann Taylor in 2022, and a sister, Dorothy Nowak. 

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 11, 2023 Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Vanderbilt.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in his memory to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the guestbook, below.