Richard "Dick" Francour

RICHARD DANIEL FRANCOUR
Richard (Dick) Daniel Francour, age 94 passed away peacefully on March 28 surrounded by his loving family. Dick was the first-born son of the late Ernest and Lucille (Gorman) Francour. He was born on June 18,1929 in Racine, WI. Shortly after the family moved to Loomis, WI., and when Dick was in 1st grade the family moved to the family farm in Crivitz, WI. Farm work was a big part of the family life, but athletics quickly became an integral part of Dick's life and those of his brothers. A graduate (and prom king) of Crivitz High School in 1947, his goal was to go to business school in Minneapolis, but the Army had other ideas. Dick served in Korea and was honorably discharged as sergeant first class. He proudly served as a front-line scout close to enemy lines, without sleeping in a bed for 6 months. Upon returning to WI, Dick began his work career in the oil/gasoline delivery industry, First at DeHart Oil, followed by Wood Oil and ultimately, he became a business owner when he bought Wood Oil changing its name to Francour Oil in 1969.
Dick met Barbara Mans at the Dome in Marinette at a dance following a basketball game. The running joke was they dated for quite a while with Dad not knowing Barb's first name. Barb was suspicious, but finally Dick reached out to good friend, Peg Marineau to get her name and phone number. On April 16, 2024, they would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary; something that Dick was proud to share with the many new and old acquaintances he met. As business owners, he and Barb were a team in creating a great business model based on hard work, 24-hour service plus compassion for their customers. Many adults now remember the suckers Dick gave to them as children on his route.
A good part of his life was traveling to follow children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to their many sporting events, concerts, theater, fundraisers, and honor events. Dick loved to share stories about his family. Together he and Barb raised 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren:
Jean (Donald) Monson; their children Sara Skarda, Laura (Eric) Tlachac and Gregory Monson. Grandchildren Luke, Connor and Benjamin Skarda; Natalie, Hailey and Lillian Tlachac.
David (Lynn Beck) Francour; their children Angela (Sean) Rohland, Ryan (Amber) Francour, Chad Francour and Kaitlyn Francour. Grandchildren Liam, Jack and Benjamin Rohland; Kason and Kinsley Francour
James (Tamara Meyers) Francour; their children Adam (Amber) Francour and Karlie (Mark) Seidl. Grandchildren Asher and Aspen Francour.
Paul (Kelly Keller) Francour; their children Jakeb Francour and Mackenzie (fiancée Andrew Jornlin) Francour.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; brother, Terry (Ginny) Francour; sister-in-law, Nancy Francour plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents (Ernest and Lucille), his in-laws (Walter and Emma Mans), brothers Roger and Gerald and sister, Joan and sister-in-law, Suzanne.
Dick will forever be remembered for his dedication to athletics. An avid Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer fan, he was proud to have attended the infamous Ice Bowl. Dick managed the Peshtigo City baseball team for 22 years; only missing one game when daughter Jean was born on a Sunday afternoon. Countless Sundays as a family were spent at the baseball field with all the family having a role. His love for area sports began as the boys, grandsons and granddaughters began playing sports in Marinette, Wausaukee & Appleton; baseball, football, soccer and basketball received his support even after his children graduated. He was an ever-present fixture at the baseball fields in the area (even called an icon) and took pride in the care and maintenance of "his" fields. Not a blade of grass was out of place. His life touched the many youth who worked at the baseball fields under his supervision. In 2016, the Francour Baseball field was dedicated in Barb & Dick's honor.
He enjoyed his vegetable garden, the family cabin on Ranch Road/Crivitz, jigsaw puzzles, and his experience on an honor flight. Dick would like to thank good friend, Steve Daye for spending the past few years as a good friend, conversationalist, and chauffeur for their many road trips in Marinette County. Thank you to the wonderful health professionals who cared for Dick in the past years; Aurora Health, Luther Home staff and the Moments Hospice Team for the comfort and support they provided at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Honor Flight would be greatly appreciated.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 5th at Zion Lutheran Church (2714 James St., Marinette) from 1 until 3 pm. A memorial service will be held at 3 pm with a meal to follow.
2 Timothy 4:7:
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.