NEW GLARUS - Master Sergeant Francis J. Beers answered his final roll call on October 29, 2017. His first roll call was December 12, 1936 when he was born in Mazomanie to Frank and Margaret (McCloskey) Beers. Francis attended both Sun Prairie and Marshall High Schools, graduating from Marshall in 1956. Having enlisted as a senior, he began active duty in the United States Marine Corps on August 6th, 1956. While in the corps, he participated in the Government's Atomic Bomb Tests in Nevada, specifically the detonation of a bomb called "Hood" in July of 1957. He later suffered from several forms of cancer related to radiation exposure. He made it his personal mission to educate the public about his experience as an "Atomic Veteran" and gave presentations at many schools and organizations. He was honorably discharged on August 5th, 1958. After the service Francis went to work at Carnes Corporation in Verona where he met Lorene Hefty. They were married on June 4th, 1966. They lived in New Glarus where Francis became a rural mail carrier delivering for New Glarus and Monticello for 26 years. He spoke often of the many wonderful people he met on his route and is still fondly remembered by many of them for his kindness. On November 12, 1977 Francis joined the Air National Guard based at Truax Field. He retired on December 11, 1996 with the rank of Master Sergeant. Francis ushered for many years at the University of Wisconsin football and basketball games. He was a huge Badger fan and over the years treated many young people to Badger games. Francis was very active in many organizations and was known as a "tireless recruiter" for them. Some include: the New Glarus Jaycees, in which he was a charter member serving as an elected officer at both the state and local levels, the New Glarus Lions club, AMVETS Post 69 which he founded and was especially proud of, and the American Red Cross blood drives, having served as co-chairman and giving twenty plus gallons. Francis loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. He was a member of the Green County Harmony Club. He shared that gift with many including the staff and residents at the New Glarus Home. His signature song was definitely, "You Are My Sunshine".

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lorene in 2014, sister Rose Beers, brothers Eugene and Duane Beers, sister-in-law Rose Mae Beers, and Simba the cat.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Irene Beers, brother-in-law Lawrence (Joan) Hefty, nieces, nephews, and close friends Monika (Bob) Pernot and Russ (Tina) Moser.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the New Glarus Home Chapel, 600 Second Ave., New Glarus, WI (access via the Elm Dr. entrance), with Rev. Kim Moeller officiating. Inurnment with full military honors will be in the Swiss Church Cemetery.

A gathering of relatives and friends will precede the memorial service from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at the New Glarus Home Chapel.

The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.

An online memorial with guestbook is available at www.bealfuneralhomes.com

Semper Fi, Marine!