Francis Neil Altman

1930 - 2025

Francis Neil Altman

April 12, 1930 - September 16, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father and guiding light, Captain Francis Neil Altman, on September 16, 2025, at the age of 95. He was a faithful servant of the Lord, steadfast and true, committed to family, generous without seeking acknowledgment, loyal, endlessly encouraging and calm in the face of any storm.

Francis was born on April 12, 1930, in Rudyard. He was raised as a small-town farm-boy and never lost sight of God and family first, hard work and small-town values. Despite morning and evening farm chores and a two-mile walk to school, he still found time to pursue his love of sports and proudly wore his varsity letter from the Rudyard Bulldogs basketball team.

Francis developed his love of education from his parents. Although his collegiate dreams were set aside due to the constraints of the shipping season, he was a lifelong learner. Francis relied on his strong work ethic to help him navigate the licensing and classes needed to move up the ladder from deckhand to Captain at US Steel. Francis took great pride in his work and believed that his contribution to US Steel was building a strong America.

Francis was a quiet leader. Without raising his voice, his words carried weight. Over the years, countless stories have been told by former crew and colleagues about Francis calmly standing in the window of the pilot house with a cup of coffee in his hand guiding and leading the ship to safety.

Francis was the ultimate family man – even from a distance. While his career took him away from home, he remained as connected as possible through phones, letters, CB and Walkie-Talkie. His "First Mate" and lifelong love, Joan, made sure that her children knew their Father face-to-face by driving to ports in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio.

Although he loved his career, he loved his family most. Nothing brought more joy than cooking on the grill, camping, fishing, watching sports and family gatherings. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life and was thrilled to spend time with them.

Francis is survived by his loving wife of almost 72 years, Joan Becker Altman; children, Dan (Vicky) Altman of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Sherry (Ed) Alexander of Lansing, Mich.; Father James Altman of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc.; Luann (Scott) Dunsford of Haslett, Mich.; five grandchildren, Mollie Carter, Amy Altman, Austin Alexander, Benjamin Alexander and Ella Dunsford; one great-child, Caleb Carter; many nieces and nephews. Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Anna Altman, siblings, Lydia (Altman) Irwin; Erna (Altman) Houghtalin; Helen (Altman) Jones, Herta (Altman) Hintz, Raymond Altman, Paul Altman.

Francis was loved by all who knew him. His dry sense of humor and kind, forgiving heart will never be forgotten.

Visitation was held at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 150 2nd St N, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. with a Requiem High Mass at 2 p.m.

Burial services were at Saint Ignatius Catholic Cemetery in St. Ignace, Mich. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11 a.m.

Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.ritchayfuneralhome.com.