Francis Gallagher

Francis “Fran” Gallagher, 87, Wadena, MN passed away peacefully on April 3, 2012 at St. Cloud Hospital. Fran was born in Wadena, MN on October 10, 1924 to Fred and Catherine (Young) Gallagher. He graduated from Wadena High School. He later met and married the love of his life, Lorraine (DuMont) Gallagher. They were united in marriage on June 14, 1947 in Bluffton. Fran enlisted in the army and served in World War II in Italy. He was a sergeant in the 10th Mountain Division. He was wounded in battle and received numerous ribbons and a good conduct medal, along with a purple heart. After his honorary discharge, he and Lorraine married and moved to Portland, Oregon. He was employed at the shipyard. They moved back to MN in 1950, and purchased and operated Fran’s Place, a local tavern in Bluffton, MN. After selling the tavern, he went to work at Merickel Lumber Mills, where he was employed for 28 years, retiring in 1982. He enjoyed his retirement years at Big Pine Lake. Faith and family were of utmost importance to him. He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed watching the Vikings and Twins. He truly enjoyed many years of retirement with his wife, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Catherine (Young) Gallagher. He is survived by his devoted wife Lorraine; children, Janet (Tom) Spahn, Park Rapids, Judy (Ed) Mora, OKC, OK, Jayne (Tim) Rogers, Wadena, Jim (Marji) Gallagher, Wichita, KS, Jacki (Kevin) Schmitz, Little Falls; 10 grandchildren &10 great-grandchildren; sister Wanda (Wayne) Maroney of Long Prairie; and brother Larry of Mound. He will be dearly missed by everyone. A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of his life will be held on Monday, April 9th at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, with Father Paul Folsom as celebrant. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 8th at Johnson Memorial Home from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Military honors will be provided by the Elmer Goche Post 3922, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wadena, MN. Pallbearers will be Francis’ grandchildren and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Wadena. The family would like to extend a special thanks for the great care he received at Centra Care Dialysis Unit, Staples, MN and St. Cloud Hospital. All memorials will be given to the Centra Care Health Foundation Dialysis Fund.

Francis Gallagher

October 10, 1924 - April 3, 2012