Roland Francis, age 85, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home in Mahnomen, MN.

Roland Harlow Francis was born on October 2, 1930, to Harlow and Rose (Schlagel) Francis. At the age of two, Roland and his family moved to the Mahnomen community. He was confirmed at St. Michael's Catholic Church and graduated from Mahnomen High School with class of 1948. Following graduation, Roland joined the U.S. Army. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Mahnomen, taking over the family farm after his father's death. On September 23, 1953, Roland was united in marriage to Gloria Dorseth in the St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun, MN. They were blessed with thirteen children; nine sons and four daughters. In 1971, Roland and Gloria started Francis Greenhouse & Floral and became known for their Christmas wreaths. They also excelled with fresh flowers and in 1974 began landscaping. Gloria and Roland retired about 15 years ago. Roland entered the Mahnomen Health Center in 2007 and Gloria remains at their home northeast of Mahnomen.

Music held a special place in Roland's heart. As a young man, he played the saxophone and drums in the Athmann Band. He loved to go fishing with friends and family. He always had time to visit with his many friends. Roland was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus Mahnomen Council #2573 and the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31. What was nearest and dearest to his heart was his beautiful wife, Gloria, and his children.

Roland is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria, his children; Keith (Judy) Francis, Mahnomen, MN, David (Ellie) Francis, Detroit Lakes, MN, Loren (Dianne) Francis, Bagley, MN, Scott (Mary) Francis, Detroit Lakes, MN, Roger (Peggy) Francis, Mahnomen, MN, Linda (Tim) Benson, Cornelius, NC, Kevin (Jeri) Francis, Bemidji, MN, Nancy (Luke) Dewey, Moorhead, MN, Todd (Sue) Francis, Detroit Lakes, MN, Anisa (Russ) Jasken, Ogema, MN, Angie (Dustin Reinhart) Larson, Hendrum, MN, Eric (Janis) Francis, Mahnomen, MN, Andy (Cristy) Francis, Detroit Lakes, MN, one sister, Muriel Riddle, Fayetteville, NC, brothers-in-law; Vernon (LaVonne) Dorseth, Flom, MN and Alden (Shirley) Dorseth, Little Falls, MN, sisters-in-law; Donna Mae Albertson, Fargo, ND, Linda (Keith) Axvig, Brainerd, MN, Derline Francis, Great Falls, MT and Pat Francis, Bloomington, MN, 42 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlow and Rose (Schlagel) Francis, brothers, John and Charles, brother-in-law Sanford Albertson and son-in-law Steve Larson.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, MN. Visitation was held on Friday, October 30, 2015, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 pm, also at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Interment took place at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen, MN.