Francis Fraser

Francis Fraser, age 81, of Crosslake, passed away Friday, July 22, 2011, at Good Samaritan Society Bethany in Brainerd. He was born July 1, 1930, in Pine River, to Homer and Alice Fraser. Francis graduated from Pine River High School in 1949 and attended Bemidji State Teachers College in 1950. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. Upon leaving the Air Force, he attended the Dunwoody Industrial Institute from 1955 to 1957. He married Helen Hopper on August 17, 1957. Francis worked along with his father and brother, Leo, at the Crosslake Lumber Company beginning in 1957 until retiring in 1992. After retirement, he and Helen traveled extensively by RV and visited 49 of the 50 states. Francis was a charter member of both Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake and the Crosslake Fire Department, where he served as chief for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Thomas Fraser (Melanie); daughter, Jeanne Carlson (Jeff); grandchildren: Andrew Fraser, Bret Fraser, Mitchell Carlson; brothers: Leo Fraser (Dodo), John Fraser (Lois); and sister, Teresa Hiles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Richard.

The family would like to give special thanks to stations 3 and 6 at Good Samaritan Society Bethany for their love and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, or the Crosslake Fire Department.

Services will be 11 AM on Wednesday, July 27, at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Crosslake, with Father Ryan Moravitz officiating. Burial will follow at Pinewood Cemetery, Crosslake. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.