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Submitted: 9/22/23 • Approved: 9/25/23 • Last Updated: 9/28/23 • R275524-G275524-S3
Section 12 Columbarium #6
Tom L Francis
January 17, 1949 - April 24, 2023
Tom L. Francis, age 74 of Sioux Falls, SD passed away unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack on Monday, April 24, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, April 28, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a Liturgical Wake Service and Holy Rosary to begin at 7:00 PM, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls. Please consider memorials to Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation.
Tom was born on January 17th, 1949 at McKennan Hospital to Jerome and Mary Ann Francis in Sioux Falls, the youngest of three boys. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1968. He was a standout athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track. He was part of the basketball and football teams inducted into the O’Gorman High School Hall of Fame. After high school, he continued his education at Northern State College graduating with a business degree in 1972.
Tom started his professional career as a Wine and Spirits salesman working for Premier Wine and Spirits, SoDak Distributing, and Republic National Distributing. He had a strong work ethic, always putting the customer first. Tom treasured all of the friendships he formed working in the business for over 40 years.
Tom married his best friend, Susan Wynthein, on May 29th, 1971 at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Sioux Falls. She was the love of his life. Their unconditional love for each other was based on their strong Catholic faith, which provided a wonderful example of strength and commitment.
God blessed them with three daughters, Amy, Sara, and Kristen. Tom was a loving and devoted Father providing endless support to his girls.
He used his love of sports to coach all three daughters’ basketball and softball teams over the years. His devotion left a positive impact on the lives of his daughters and their teammates.
Tom was a proud Grandpa to three grandsons, John, Braden, and Gavin. He took joy in supporting them in all their activities. He was their biggest fan! The boys always looked forward to seeing him in the stands cheering for them. He taught them in sports you often need to have a short memory and to “run fast, turn left.”
Tom’s love of the outdoors showed in the hobbies he enjoyed-fishing and golfing with his best friend, doing lawn work, grilling for his family, and “putzing” in the garage. He was a knowledgeable sports fan-an encyclopedia of sports facts. As an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan, he always hoped for more wins and this would be ‘their year.”
Tom and Susan enjoyed traveling to various destinations over the years. Tom’s favorite trip was the Alaskan Cruise. They enjoyed leaving the harsh South Dakota winters and spending time with many lifelong friends in sunny Lake Havasu City, Arizona-so many fond memories.
We will always remember Tom’s big welcoming smile and the kindness, love, and respect he showed to everyone he met. Tom loved life, friends, and family very, very much.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Susan Francis of Sioux Falls, SD; three daughters, Amy (Bryan) Haase of Sioux Falls, SD, Sara (Dan) Smith of Lago Vista, TX, and Kristen Francis (Mike Lais) of Iona, MN; three grandsons, John Kunkel of Sioux Falls, SD, Braden Smith and Gavin Smith, both of Lago Vista, TX; his brother, Dick (Annette) Francis of Hartford, SD; brothers-in-law, Patrick Wynthein, Steven (Teresa) Wynthein, and Dan (Diane) Wynthein; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Rob) Wallace, Joan Wynthein, Debra Schultz, Lori (Mike) Smith, Jill (Mike) Olson, and Jane Wynthein; and a host of many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Mary Ann (Crall) Francis; his brother, Jerry Francis; his father and mother-in-law, Arsene and Lois Wynthein; and brother-in-law, Michael Wynthein.
Contributed on 9/22/23 by 9katz
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Record #: 275524