Francis Maynard Theisen, a lifelong resident of Delano, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2018, at the age of 89, surrounded by family.

Francis was born January 18, 1929, in Delano at the home of his parents, Frank and Irene (Speckel) Theisen. He was Baptized, received First Communion and Confirmed at the Church of St. Peter in Delano.

Francis attended country school until the eighth grade, when his father was injured and he was needed on the family farm.

Francis was united in marriage to Sadie Lorraine Mara on June 7, 1950, at the Church of St. Peter in Delano. Francis and Sadie made their home in Delano where they raised their four daughters, Claudia, Rhonda, Barbara, and Donna, and shared over 68 years of marriage and a lifetime of love, laughter, and friendship.

Francis served on the Delano Fire Department starting in 1953 until 1978. He worked for the Delano Granite Works, drove truck for other companies as well as worked with his brother Harold and nephews at Gridor.

Francis was known for his wit, joke telling, and infectious, trademark smile. His family and friends will remember him best for his selflessness, work ethic, and genuine love for his family. His grandchildren will remember him for rowboat rides and ice skating on the pond, pony rides, bonfires in the woods, family hayrides, his protective nature, life lessons, and unconditional love. Francis was an active man and loved to work. Whether it be yard work, clearing trees in the woods on their property, or helping others, he was rarely seen sitting idle. If there wasn’t work to do, he made work to do. He enjoyed the outdoors, listening and dancing to polka music, fishing, and teasing his wife, Sadie. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Sadie; 4 daughters, Claudia (Denny) Goranson, Rhonda (Kurt) Saler, Barbara (Bob) Seliski, and Donna Theisen (Joe Hannan); 9 grandchildren, Sara Nagel (Steve Fike), Katie (Brent) Haupt, Kacie Miller, Bobby (Laura) Seliski, Jenna Nagel (Dave Czanstkowski), Troy (April) Goranson, Tanner (Katie) Goranson, Angie Seliski, and Nicole Hannan; 15 great-grandchildren, George and Mira Goranson; Parker, Preston and Porter Mace; Zackery and Sullivan Beardsley and Archer and Francis Fike; Genevieve Miller; Kyle, Joshua and Ethan Haupt; Josie and Anthony Seliski; and two brothers, Harold and Lloyd.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Irene (Speckel); brothers, Robert, Kenneth, and George; and sisters, Lucille Giese, Evelyn Socher and Jeanette Meehan.

Special thank you to Guardian Angels Hospice Services and Lakeside Oasis for providing such exceptional care for Francis during his final days and for their kindness and support for his family.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 4 from 4-7 pm with a fire fighter walk through at 6:30 p.m. Visitation continued on Wednesday, September 5 from 10-11 am at Church of St. Peter in Delano. Mass of Christian Burial took place on Wednesday, September 5 at 11 am at Church of St. Peter followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery in Delano.