Francis Lester West
January 28, 1928 - February 25, 2016
Obituary
OREGON-Francis Lester West, age 88, of Oregon, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on the family farm in Oregon on Jan. 28, 1928, the son of Ann and Lester West. He attended Oregon High School. After high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force, but due to a family health situation, he was released to come home to the family. This set him up for a second tour in the Army where he served two years. At a dance at Edwards Park, Fran met Dolores, the love of his life. They were united in marriage on Dec. 23, 1950, and remained life partners and best friends for 65 years. A man of many talents, his passion was carpentry; especially making birdhouses and clocks, which kept him active. Fran and Dolores also enjoyed the companionship of golf. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Dolores; five children; Sandy (Dave) Bennett, Lynn (John) Beckett, Pat (Rob) Maasch, Marcia (Bob) Hinds and Gary (Darcy) West; nine grandchildren, Laura and Dana Wagner, Michael Bennett, Justin (Nina) and Garett (Becca) Beckett, Sarah (Jeremy) Wise, Emily Maasch, Becky (Steven) Herbel and Gannon West; four great-grandchildren, Karis and Annaleah Beckett and Elise and Owen Wise; and two sisters, Mary (James) Meier and Katie (Dave) Batker. He was preceded in death by his parents; Lester and Ann West; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Dan Borchert; and brothers-in-law, Henry Halverson and James Meier. Funeral services will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m., on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Oregon. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church, the Oregon/Brooklyn Food Bank or charity of donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park Street
(608)835-3515
Events
Visitation
Thu Mar 3, 2016 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church (Oregon) • 651 N. Main St., Oregon, WI 53575
Service
Thu Mar 3, 2016 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church (Oregon) • 651 N. Main St., Oregon, WI 53575
Photos
Memories
RM
Rob Maasch
Other •
Fran
LE
Lois Eugster
Other •
My sincere sympathy to you on the passing of Francis, Kathleen and Mary. I didn't know Francis but I remember you talking about him and seeing pictures of him at your house. I do have so many happy memories of our childhoods, Kathleen: pony rides, going full speed over huge ant hills with the buggy, sliding on "West's hill", skating on the pond at the bottom of the hill, being chased by some of your chickens...!! I remember being so impressed with your mom's mangle iron! I wish you both peace and I thank you for the memories. Lois Eugster
WZ
Wendy Zanzinger
Other •
I will so miss Uncle Fran! He could always put a smile on my face. I loved his laughter, humor and smiles. I cherish the bird house and the beautiful shadow box Fran created, and Aunt Dolores embellished, to feature Grandma Margaret's tea cup. He worked it and worked it till He made it Perfect! Mom,( Bev), loved when Fran and Dolores visited her. Aside from the company, Fran's handyman abilities kept her home repaired. And possibly keeping him occupied, so he stayed out of trouble :-D. He Loved his Family and it showed, in his words and actions. I enjoyed visiting and talking with Fran. He was a Great Listener and had Perceptive and Keen Insights. As Grandpa Val used to say, " He was one of the Good Guy's!". Fran will be deeply missed. He has definitely left me with multiple, lasting, Happy Heart Imprints. My Heart and Prayers are with Dolores, Sandy, Lynn, Pat, Marcia, Gary and all the Extexded Family. In Deepest Sympathy and Gratitude for his Life.
Niece, Wendy Zanzinger
SF
Sandy (Schoonover) Franson
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May loving memories bring you all comfort and peace at this difficult time. Gary was always so special to my son, Troy, in their high school years at OHS. I remember all the times we all spent in the gymnasiums across the Badger Conference watching them play basketball. May God's blessings be with you all as you grieve Fran's loss. --Sandy (Schoonover) Franson
SB
Shirley (nee Sorenson) Beaver
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So sorry to hear of the death of your brother. Although I did not know him well I remember seeing him on the farm. You have my warmest sympathy. Shirley( nee Sorenson) Beaver. Bloomington , Ill