Gene Leroy Francis

Gene L. Francis, age 65 of Brainerd died on July 17, 2021 after a 7-year battle with cancer.  He was born on August 19, 1955 in Eugene, Oregon to Jack and Evelyn (Hamren) Francis.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired from the National Guard.  Gene married Diane Jarvela on August 30, 1975 in Crosby.  Gene was the retired owner of Gene’s Plumbing in Brainerd and a member of the Brainerd American Legion Post #255 and American Legion Riders.

Gene is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, Justin (Candace) and Jake (Stephanie); brother, Blair (Ruth); sister, Karen (Fred) Nygaard; three granddaughters, Peyton, Kate and Maggie; all of Brainerd; several nieces, nephews, a large extended family and friends.

Preceding Gene in death are his parents; brother, Bruce Francis and niece Jan Nygaard.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at the Brainerd American Legion #255 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.