Francis Schram

Francis Dale Schram, age 80, of Aitkin and formerly of Pine River died Sunday, July 5, 2020 at Aitkin Health Services.  Funeral Services will be held at 3PM on Friday, July 10, 2020 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Pequot Lakes .  Visitation will be from 1-3PM on Friday at the funeral home in Pequot Lakes .

Francis was born on August 10, 1939 in Pine River to Frank and Helen (Tarjesen) Schram.  He grew up with his family owning the Red Cedar Lodge on White Fish Lake, which invoked Francis’ passion for fishing at a very young age.  He was Vice President of Brainerd Savings and Loan until his retirement at the age of 55.  Francis enjoyed forging Black Powder Guns from scratch; each gun was made uniquely and with passion.  He loved vegetable gardening, history, making buckskin pants and antler carvings, singing and playing the guitar.  Francis was intelligent, creative, eloquent, and would go out of his way for others. He lived his life by the motto “keep at it and never give up.”  Francis will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Francis is survived by his daughters, Shawn (Greg) Bane of New Hampshire, Rebecca (Larry) Zeigler of Texas, Kristina (Dan Unzen) Schram of New Hampshire, Heather (Matthew) Duane of Missouri; brother, Jonathon Schram of Nisswa; 11 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sally; and son, Richard.