Pioneer Press - Twin Cities, JOSEPH FRANCIS, SR. "Joe" Dec. 1, 1933 - April 14, 1994 Joe, there are no words to express how precious you are to us, your family. You were born in 1933, in a small farmhouse in Mazeppa, MN, with no central heat, and no running water. As a little kid, you shined shoes to help your widowed mother, brother, and sisters. You became the youngest barber in MN at the age of 17, because you wanted to earn as much as you could for your family. All your life, you always had a full time job, or two. You achieved so much, and your qualities of goodness and character built your success to a degree you never dreamed possible. You championed the little guys, the less fortunate. Your hard work and determination benefitted a lot of people, and even now, 22 years after your death, they are still writing me thanking me for all you did for them. I am so proud of you, as are your five children, your eleven grandchildren, and now, your great granddaughter, Melia Joelle. We will always thank you, because everything we have today is because of you.You have achieved what you set out to do help people succeed. In the process, you have provided us with an exceptional life style for all of us. But much more important than any material gifts, you gave us a great example of how to live, always positive always optimistic, humble and grateful. You endured 23 cancer surgeries with a good attitude, and taught us how to deal with adversity taking it in stride, and never complaining. You are with us and we will be with you, in our hearts, always. Flo, and your children Joey, Susan, Barbara, Jeanne and Johnny. Your grandchildren Rachel, Benji, Adam, Monica, Sarah, Andrew, Brianna, Joe, Joseph, Lilly, and Anna. And of course, Joey's own grand-daughter, and our great granddaughter, Melia Joelle Francis.
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