Michael Joe Francis

Michael Francis, age 60, of Lakeside, Iowa departed this life on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa surrounded by his family and friends following a 6 month courageous fight with cancer. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Newell. Visitation will take place Monday, April 6, 2015 from 4-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a memorial fund in Michael's honor. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Michael “Puggy” Joe Francis was born October 21, 1954 in Storm Lake, Iowa. He was the son of Joseph and Madonna Francis. Growing up, he attended school in Storm Lake graduating from Storm Lake High School in May 1972. While in high school he was noted for being one of the best shortstops to ever play for the Storm Lake Tornadoes baseball team and was also an exceptional player on the Tornadoes golf team. Mike was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America throughout his childhood and through high school. Mike began his long run in the meat industry as a teenager, getting his start in the mailroom at HyGrade, Storm Lake, IA. He continued to advance his career throughout the next 40 years working throughout the Midwest as well as Alaska and Russia. Various other plants that he worked for included Premier Boneless Meats, IBP, Farmland Foods, Eddyville Food Products, Slava International, Alcester Meats, and Nor-Am Cold Storage/Pro-Visions Packing Co. In 1998, Mike followed in the footsteps of his grandfather “Rick” as an entrepreneur starting his own business, Lakeside Trading, Inc., which has remained a thriving business to this day due to his knowledge and expertise in the meat industry. He was a master of his trade and became a mentor to many young men and women. He was successful in the art of negotiation and was highly self-motivated. Mike was a respected businessman, creating professional relationships that have turned into lifelong friendships. Whether he was on the lake, the golf course, traveling or at Puff’s Whitecap Inn, Mike always made himself accessible to all. He boasted many times that he sold more meat on the golf course than he did sitting behind a desk. As a father Mike’s proudest moments in life were the achievements of his three daughters Liz, Brooke, and Becky whom he has guided through the years and loved dearly. In 2003 Mike married Glenda Grote on the shores of Storm Lake in Lakeside where the two grew up as children. Throughout this marriage the two enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, traveling, and entertaining family and friends. One of Mike’s greatest joys was taking his many grandchildren boating and fishing and spending quality time with them. In 2011 the couple purchased a home on the lake at 102 Elm St. in Lakeside which they renovated and made into a home that Mike loved to tour his many friends through. Mike was a die-hard fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs. He was a proud member of the Elk’s for many years holding several positions, reaching the position of Exalted Ruler. Mike was an avid member of the Lake Creek Country Club where he served on the Board and enjoyed numerable rounds of golf throughout his life. He also enjoyed spending time with friends and playing cards. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend who lived life to its fullest. He was an inspiration to many and will be sorely missed by all knew him. He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his wife and best friend, Glenda (Grote)Francis of Lakeside, Iowa; daughters: Elizabeth “Liz” Francis, Jefferson City, Missouri; Brooke Francis and Nathan Carel, Phoenix, Arizona; Rebecca “Becky” Francis, Gayville, South Dakota; stepchildren: Christian “Pookie” Grote, Overland Park, Kansas; Jonathon “Jonny” Grote and friend Malory Vandenberg, Sioux City, Iowa; Angela “Annie” (Grote) and Jonathan Mohr, Newell, Iowa; extended family: Steve and Tricia Wilkins, Brookings, South Dakota; grandchildren: Allison, Anthony, Audrey, Austin, Brittney, Jace, Makel, Mason, Matthew, Riley, Sophia, Taylor, and Zeke; sister Linda (Francis) and Karl Weber, Glen Heights, Texas; brothers-in-law: George and Sandra Hase, Phoenix, Arizona; and Greg and Lori Hase, Sioux City, Iowa; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and countless friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph Charles and Madonna Frances (Rickman) Francis; grandparents: Ellis Clement and Leah Grace (Horton) Francis; and Orville “Rick” and Gladys Viola (Hartzell) Rickman.

Michael Joe Francis

October 21, 1954 - April 4, 2015