Stephen M. 'Steve' Francis

MADISON- Stephen M. Steve Francis, age 72, of Madison, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2011. He was born on April 7, 1939 in Chicago, Ill., the son of Earl and Frances (LaForge) Francis. Steve married Arlis Downing on Feb. 23, 1957, in Sun Prairie. He retired from Datex Ohmeda in April of 2000 after 38 years as a polisher/grinder. Steve was a self made woodworker. He enjoyed traveling, especially to South Dakota, watching ships in Sault Ste Marie and touring lighthouses. Steve was an avid birdwatcher and tractors and train enthusiast. He is survived by his wife, Arlis; children, Steven (Holly) Francis of Madison, Michelle (Jim) Mickelson of Pardeeville, Joseph Francis of Stoughton and Peggy (Scott) Berger of Mazomanie; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Catherine Nolan of Arizona, Suzanne (Dale) Ellinger of Big Bend, John (Susan) Francis of Columbus, Caroline (Darrell) Langer of Marshall, Patricia (Fred) Holmes of McFarland and Michael Francis of Madison. Steve is preceded in death by his parents; and son Timothy in 2011. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, June 27, 2011. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Meriter ICU and Select Speciality Hospital for the care they gave Steve. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, June 27, 2011.