Lewis Charles Francois

Lewis Charles Francois, 91, of Chetek, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at the Knapp Haven Nursing Home in Chetek with his loving family at his side.  Lewis was born June 3, 1922 in Chetek, Wisconsin the son of Elmer Francois, Sr. and Hazel Bertha Anna Albrecht.

Lewis grew up farming in rural Chetek and in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  Lewis worked the family farm for many years while also running a saw mill, building houses and traveling to Northern Wisconsin to lumber camps.

He married Edith Lorraine Gillett on June 6, 1945.  The two lived on the family farm except for a few months they lived in California.  In 1956 Lewis and Edith operated West Side Grocery store on Knapp Street in Chetek and operated it until 1983.  In 1973 Lewis partnered and started a construction company called Push Inc., which he buried cable and fiber optic.  He traveled with the construction crew to many sites until he retired at age 73.  Lewis has always had a love of gardening and home canning.  He grew flowers and took them to area residents.  Many hours were spent fishing and hunting.

Lewis leaves to celebrate his memory: children: Judy (Richard) DuBois, Chetek, WI; Jean (Dale) Sarles, Orlando, FL; Joy (Lonny) Mellum, Fairfield, IA; grandchildren: Douglas Johnson, Jessica DuBois, Anthony Sarles, Andrew Sarles, Nicole Haynes, Mandy Mellum, Alex Mellum, 2 Step-grandchildren, Heather and Chris DuBois.  11 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Doris Gouker, Lois Bilodeau, Lucille Gillett, Phyllis Gillett, Charlene Gillette and Dorothy Francois, nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.  Preceded in death are his parents, his wife of 57 years, his sisters Marguerite Larson, Viola Scherz and one brother Elmer jr. “Jiggs” Francois.

The funeral service for Lewis will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 12 Noon.  Lewis’ family will greet visitors on Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at the Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Chetek and then again on Sunday at the funeral home from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service.  Lewis will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery following the service.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Chetek has been entrusted with arrangements.