Judith "Judy" Francis

JUDITH "JUDY" ELLEN (EGBERG) FRANCIS was born to Charles and Helen (Fromviller) Egberg in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 31, 1940. Judy was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Judy had many fond memories of her youth growing up in north Minneapolis and especially “5208” as she referred to her childhood home. She graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1959. She took a job shortly after high school at Donaldson’s Department Store in downtown Minneapolis where she met Ronald Francis. They were married on April 15, 1961. Judy and Ron lived for one year in the Minneapolis area where they had their first child, Bryan. Shortly after this, they moved to the Francis family farm in Grange Township where they had three more children, Lisa, Diane, and Linda. They spent their married life on the farm, raising their children and welcoming two grandchildren, Matthew and Brianna. Judy and Ron always crop farmed, and at different times raised milk cows, hogs, and stock cows. In the early 80’s, Judy took a job at the Pipestone County Medical Center in the dietary department where she worked for many years. She also worked for a time at Juba’s Super Value as a demo clerk. She loved sharing not only the highlights of the products she was selling, but she most loved spending time talking and connecting with the customers.

After they were married, Judy became a member of Peace United Methodist Church in Pipestone. She served on various committees and many years as a Sunday school teacher. Judy and Ron were a part of a neighborhood card club for many years where they made lifelong friends. Judy and Ron loved dancing and they spent many evenings out with friends at the local dance halls. She and Ron loved to travel and took many trips over the years, but their favorite trips were always to see their daughter, Diane, in California.

Judy was loved by everyone she met. Her capacity to love was overwhelming. Judy had a warm greeting and took time to talk and share stories, encouragement, and joy with everyone. She had a kind, compassionate, positive spirit coupled with a vivacious and enthusiastic love of life. Judy displayed this positive spirit throughout many challenges over the years, always leaning on her faith in the Lord. Her greatest passion was her family. She was her children’s and grandchildren’s greatest supporter, advocate, and cheerleader. She was the family’s rock and coupled a great strength with an amazing sweetness. She loved her children and grandchildren beyond measure and taught them by example how to love others. Her love of life, laughter, warm smile, and loving spirit brought joy to all she met.

Judy is lovingly remembered by her three children, Bryan Francis, Pipestone, MN, Diane Francis, Roseville, CA, and Linda (Tim) Erickson, Pipestone, MN; two grandchildren, Matthew Helm, Colorado Springs, CO, and Brianna Helm, Brooklyn Center, MN; three brothers, John (Judy) Egberg, Dale Egberg, and Chuck (Sandy) Egberg; numerous nieces and nephews; and many others who she considered extended family.

Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald; her daughter, Lisa (Francis) Helm; her parents, Charles and Helen Egberg; and her brother, David Egberg.