Francis Benjamin Misgen, 93, of New Richland, went to be with his Lord and savior on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at the New Richland Care Center surrounded by his family and care center staff.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Aidan’s Catholic Church in Ellendale. The Rev. Raul Silva will be officiating with burial at First Lutheran Cemetery in Ellendale. Visitation will be from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Aidan’s Catholic Church in Ellendale. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Military honors will be accorded by the Ellendale VFW Post 8941 and American Legion Post 296. Please see www.brussheitner.com to leave online condolences. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of arrangements.

Francis was born Jan. 19, 1920, in Berlin Township, Steele County, to Benjamin and Mary (Clark) Misgen. He graduated from Berlin School (never missed a day!). He married Audrey Thompson on June 7, 1948. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 815th Engineers Battalion as a medic. He enjoyed traveling to many Army reunions to visit his Army buddies. In 2003, Francis hosted their last reunion in Minneapolis. Most of his life he was self-employed in the cattle and then junkyard business until he retired at the age of 83.

His hobbies included visiting friends and family, playing bingo and driving his 1954 Weapons Carrier for Memorial Day services and local parades, rain or shine. He was a member of the Ellendale VFW Post. Francis was also a man of very strong Christian faith.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; wife, Audrey; son, Michael; and great-grandson, Markus Misgen. He is survived by his children Sherry (Jack), James (Joanne), Susan and Dawn; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; special nephews Rick and Lonnie; and special niece, Renita.

The family extends a very special thank you to the staff of the New Richland Care Center for their gentle, kind and personable care. They were wonderfully gracious and concerned for Francis and his family during his last three days.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to St. Aidan’s Catholic Church.