Richard “Dick” L. Francois, age 71, of Tomahawk, and formerly of Middleton, Wis., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, Wis. Dick was born in Madison, Wis., on Jan. 14, 1950, the son of Walter and Geraldine (Kessnich) Francois. He was married to Gretchen Peterson in Oct. 1968; she passed away in Aug. 1977. He was later married to his soulmate, Sandra Morris, on May 12, 1989; she survives.
Dick grew up in Middleton, graduating from the Middleton High School. He was employed as a carpenter for many years in the Madison area before moving to Tomahawk in 1991. He worked for 21 years at Louisiana Pacific, retiring in 2012. Dick enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved camping and playing games. He was a talented handyman, always helping his family with projects around the house and building playsets for his grandchildren. Full of generosity, personality, and spirit, Dick had a gift for telling stories and jokes that brought many laughs to those around him. Above all, Dick was a proud family man who loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Sandra Francois, of Tomahawk; three children, Cheri Langmayer, of Fall River, Wis., James (Debbie) Francois, of Tomahawk, and Dayna Wells, of Hudson, Wis.; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one brother, Tom (Beth) Francois; one sister, Patricia (John) Mauer; his brother-in-law, Lyle (Laurie) Morris, and his sisters-in-law, Beverly Francois, and Carol (John) Kendall. Dick is further survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Gretchen; his parents, Walter and Geraldine; his son, Jason; his son-in-law, Robert Langmayer; and his brother, Jerry.
Memorial services for Richard Francois will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 3 p.m., at Generations Funeral Home, Tomahawk. Rev. Larry Mathein will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of services at 3 p.m.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. View Dick’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the family.