Francis Gleason, age 87, of Fosston, MN, died Friday, April 9, 2021, at the Cornerstone Residence in Fosston, MN.

Francis Gleason was born September 15, 1933, in White Earth, MN, the son of Frank and Pauline (Oppegard) Gleason.  As a young boy, he attended Antell Country School followed by Mahnomen High School.  Following high school, Francis helped on the family farm until he entered the United States Navy in November of 1955.  He served on the USS John Hood and was honorably discharged from active duty in September of 1959 then transferred to the naval reserves until October of 1961.  He returned home to the family farm south of Lengby and farmed with his father. When his dad passed away in 1961, Francis helped out his mother for a few years before moving to the Minneapolis, MN, in the late 1960's.  He worked as a machinist with Dana Corporation, which eventually became Gresen Hydraulics, until his retirement.  During retirement, Francis continued to live in the Twin Cities area until he moved back to the White Earth Reservation in the Fall of 2015.  He has made his home the past two years at Cornerstone Residence in Fosston.

Francis was a caring and thoughtful individual and when he lived in his high-rise apartment in Minneapolis, he just naturally became the caretaker and driver for all the other residents.  A resident's family loving referred to Francis as "The Angel of the High Rise". He always enjoyed visiting with friends and family and spending time together with one of his favorite times being the "Annual Run from the Moose" Golf Tournament.  Francis was also an avid hunter and loved bowling, participating on a bowling league for many years.  He was a long-time member with the Knights of Columbus as well.

Francis is survived by one brother, James (Francy) Gleason of Twin Lakes, MN; one sister, Hazel (Donald) Weber of Moorhead, MN; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Vivian (Orlie) Hanson and Patricia (Lowell) Storlie.

Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Naytahwaush, MN.  A Time of Gathering will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Urnbears are all of Francis' nieces and nephews. Honorary urnbearers are Francis' Hunting Crew. A graveside service with full Military Honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN, at a later date.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.