Francis Edward Saunders, age 87, of Brodhead, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at Wood's Crossing in Brodhead, following a long illness. He was born Francis, "Sandy," "Bob," on November 8, 1920 in Monroe, WI, the son of Edward Francis and Matilda (Sonderegger) Saunders. He married Marybelle Bouton of Brodhead on November 19, 1941.
Sandy was a 1938 graduate of Monroe High School. He completed Green County Normal School and taught for two years at Rush School near Browntown, WI. Francis served this country in the U.S. Army for three years during WWII, including combat with the 27th Infantry Division at Makin Is. and Saipan in the Pacific Theater. Francis had been employed at Pierce Music Co. of Brodhead for several years, and was self-employed in the Dyna-Vac cleaning business from 1956 until his retirement at age 80. He was a past member of the American Legion and a charter member of Chapter 431 of the Experimental Aircraft Assn., serving as its president for several years. An avid woodworker and handyman, Francis was also passionate about Model A Ford and antique aircraft restoration. Most of all, he enjoyed socializing with his many friends and close family.
Francis is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marybelle; his children, Gary (Marilyn) Saunders of Brodhead, Stephen (Denise) Saunders of Garnavillo, IA, Sharon (Ric) Genthe of Brodhead, Becky (Bill) Prochnow of Merrimac, WI, Mark (Martha) Saunders of Madison; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Kathryn Cosgrove of Littleton, CO, Gene (Lila) Saunders of New Glarus, Tom (Ann) Saunders of Monticello, Alice Theresa Phillips of Milwaukee and Richard (Doreen) Saunders of Browntown. Sisters, Leona and Betty preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2008, at the D.L. NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, BRODHEAD, with Father Michael Moon officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, with Military Rites. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2008, at the funeral home. A memorial fund will be established.
A special thank-you to Monroe Clinic Hospice, Pleasant View Nursing Home, and Woods Crossing for Sandy's excellent care.
Sandy was a 1938 graduate of Monroe High School. He completed Green County Normal School and taught for two years at Rush School near Browntown, WI. Francis served this country in the U.S. Army for three years during WWII, including combat with the 27th Infantry Division at Makin Is. and Saipan in the Pacific Theater. Francis had been employed at Pierce Music Co. of Brodhead for several years, and was self-employed in the Dyna-Vac cleaning business from 1956 until his retirement at age 80. He was a past member of the American Legion and a charter member of Chapter 431 of the Experimental Aircraft Assn., serving as its president for several years. An avid woodworker and handyman, Francis was also passionate about Model A Ford and antique aircraft restoration. Most of all, he enjoyed socializing with his many friends and close family.
Francis is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marybelle; his children, Gary (Marilyn) Saunders of Brodhead, Stephen (Denise) Saunders of Garnavillo, IA, Sharon (Ric) Genthe of Brodhead, Becky (Bill) Prochnow of Merrimac, WI, Mark (Martha) Saunders of Madison; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Kathryn Cosgrove of Littleton, CO, Gene (Lila) Saunders of New Glarus, Tom (Ann) Saunders of Monticello, Alice Theresa Phillips of Milwaukee and Richard (Doreen) Saunders of Browntown. Sisters, Leona and Betty preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2008, at the D.L. NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, BRODHEAD, with Father Michael Moon officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, with Military Rites. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2008, at the funeral home. A memorial fund will be established.
A special thank-you to Monroe Clinic Hospice, Pleasant View Nursing Home, and Woods Crossing for Sandy's excellent care.