Francis Ekleberry
Francis Eugene Ekleberry, 72, of Boaz, died at his home, surrounded by his loving children, on Thursday, May 3, 2012. He was born May 31, 1939 in Richland County the son of George and Mildred (Beaty) Ekleberry. Francis married Linda Dosch on July 10, 1960. They were blessed with a wonderful family of 7 children. Francis hauled milk, worked at a creamery, and a lumber yard. He started his farming career on his grandpa Dow Ekleberry’s Farm and from there moved to the Brindley Farm in Sabin where he spent 21 years. He then moved closer to his parents and helped them finish out their final years of farming. Francis was employed at Indian Hollow Farms. He never really retired, he just kept working for others such as mowing lawns, taking care of cattle, chores and cutting wood. Francis took pride in doing his work the right way. His goal was to please the people. He was a man who treasured spending time with his family and friends. Francis’ favorite hobbies where having a good meal, hunting, fishing and spending time with his dogs.
Francis is survived by his six children; Mindy Shaw (Dennis Jensen) of Richland Center, Melissa Furgason of Boaz, Kathy (Tom) Jurgensen of Bear Valley, Daniel (Paula) Ekleberry of Muscoda, Diana (Kelvin) Janecek of Hillsboro, Donna Ekleberry (Brent Gaffney) of Richland Center, thirteen grandchildren; Andy Barrett (Mackenzie), Ellie Barrett (Kenny), Ben Anderson (Chelsea), Dustin Jurgensen (Samantha), Cody Jurgensen, Kevin Ekleberry, Casey Ekleberry, Lyndsey Olson (Zach), Logan Olson, Lacey Olson, Alyssa Lasse, Kaitlyn Kleist, and Corey Kleist, great-grandson, Brock Barrett, brother-in-laws, Jim (Karen) Dosch of Chetek, Dick (Connie) Dosch of Richland Center, Chuck Perkins of Richland Center, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Francis was preceded in death by his wife Linda, an infant son Kevin Allen, parents, George and Mildred, in-laws, Marvin and Barbara Dosch, sisters, Phyllis Perkins, Donna and husband Richard Smith.
As he promised to his loving wife Linda, they would meet again when all his chores where through.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Pratt Memorial Chapel with Pastor Barbara S. Miller officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Taber Cemetery. Friends may call at the Pratt Memorial Chapel on Monday, May 7, 2012 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements. Online condolences can be made at prattfuneralservice.com.
