Gene L. Francis Obit

GENE L. FRANCIS, 65, of Brainerd, died on July 17, 2021 after a seven-year battle with cancer.  He was born on Aug. 19, 1955 in Eugene, OR to Jack and Evelyn (Hamren) Francis.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired from the National Guard.  Gene married Diane Jarvela on Aug. 30, 1975 in Crosby.  Gene was the retired owner of Gene’s Plumbing in Brainerd and a member of the Brainerd American Legion Post #255 and American Legion Riders. Preceding Gene in death are his parents; brother, Bruce Francis and niece Jan Nygaard. Gene is survived by his wife, Diane; sons and daughters-in-law, Justin and Candace and Jake and Stephanie; brother and sister-in-law, Blair  and Ruth; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Fred Nygaard; three granddaughters, Peyton, Kate and Maggie, all of Brainerd; several nieces, nephews, a large extended family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.   Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.