William J. Francis

William J. Francis age 75 of Detroit Lakes, MN died Thursday March 8, 2012 at Essentia Health-Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes. William J. Francis was born on December 4, 1936 in Crookston, MN to William J. and Ester Francis. He grew up and attended school in Crookston, graduating from Crookston Central High School in 1954. He was confirmed at the Crookston United Methodist Church. Bill served in the National Guard and also in the United States Army, serving in the 508th Airbourne Division. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to Crookston where he worked as a patrolman for the Crookston Police Dept. from 1958-1961. Bill then worked numerous sales jobs before starting a 40 year sales career with Cutler-Magner and later LaFarge Cement Company. On Sept. 18, 1980 he was united in marriage to Grace Haugen. Over the years they lived in Grand Forks, ND, Eau Claire, WI, and Detroit Lakes, MN. Bill and Grace enjoyed traveling in their retirement, spending several winters in Arizona. They also liked spending time at their lake home near Walker, MN. Bill is survived by his wife Grace; one daughter, Kim (Curt) Knutson, of Fisher, MN; four stepsons, Jerry Haugen, of Hillsboro, ND; Larry Haugen, of McIntosh, MN; Todd (Sue) Haugen, of West Allis, WI; and Tony (Leslie) Haugen, of McIntosh, MN; one stepdaughter, Sherri Pape, of Thief River Falls, MN; ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and one sister, Geraldine Hazwell, of Azusa, CA. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Margaret Ann Francis.