Francis L. Loraditch, age 86, of Varina, Iowa died Saturday, May 13, 2006 at Fonda Nursing and Rehab in Fonda, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at Bethel Baptist Church, 317 West Highway 7 in Newell, Iowa with Pastor Thomas Juftice officiating. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake assisted the family with arrangements.

Francis Loraditch was born April 25, 1920 to Lawrence and Mary (Rollins) Loraditch in Pharr, Texas. As a child, he moved with his family to Sioux City, Iowa, where he received his education.

As a young man, Francis entered the United States Navy and served from 1940 to 1945, during World War II. Francis re-enlisted in 1950 and served during the Korean conflict, again in the Navy, until his second honorable discharge in 1952. During his enlistments, he worked on the artillery aboard gunboats.

On June 8, 1946, Francis was united in marriage to Marjorie E. Pry at St. Joseph’s Church in Sioux City. Their union was blessed with seven children: Jerry, Daisy, Robert, Drinda, Daisy, Rosemary and Timothy.

Francis worked as a miner until his retirement in 1977. He was baptized at Oracle Southern Baptist Church in Oracle, Arizona in 1965 and was currently a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Newell, Iowa at the time of his death. Francis enjoyed working with wood, and he loved to fish and hunt.

Left to cherish his memory are his son Jerry Loraditch of Newell; daughter Drinda (Maynard) Oehlbeck of Rochester, New York; daughter Daisy (James) Venn of Bagdad, Arizona; daughter Rosemary (William) Leaym of Varina, Iowa, and son Timothy (Jeannette) Loraditch of Alta, Iowa; grandchildren: Chris (Susie) Loraditch of Illinois; Steven (Sara) Loraditch of Arizona; Carlie Loraditch of Tucson, Arizona; Michael Oehlbeck of Rochester, New York; Marnard (Lisa) Oehlbeck of Fairport, New York; James Oehlbeck of Rochard, New York; Shane Oehlbeck of Rochester, New York; April (Richard) Fessenden of San Manuel, Arizona; Jamie (Clint) Walker of Bagdad, Arizona; Francis Carter of Varina, Iowa; Joe Carter of Ontario, Canada; Rosemary Carter of Newell; Tim (Geneveive) Loraditch of Des Moines, Iowa; James Loraditch of Alta; and Jennifer (Charlie) Loraditch of Alta; fourteen great-grandchildren; two brothers: David (Ella Mae) Loraditch and Veren (Rose) Loraditch, both of Sioux City; sisters: Elevyn (Clem) McCormick of Los Angeles, California; Fanny (Delmur) McMillian; and Lillian (Authur) Flohr of Colorado; as well as other relatives and a host of friends.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie; daughter Daisy Loraditch; son Robert Loraditch; David Loraditch; and sisters Marion Stevens and Margret Hanson.