Francis "Fran" S. Lucking Obituary (1935 - 2014)

Francis "Fran" Sylvester Lucking, born April 13, 1935 at home in Hastings, MN, passed away on March 8, 2014, in Menomonie at the age of 78. Francis is preceded in death by his father, Sylvester Lucking, his mother, Janet (Roy) Lucking Birkholm, his sister Barbie Lou Weatherholz. He is survived by his significant other, Bonnie Anderson. His seven surviving children are Shane (Mary) Lucking of River Falls, Vicki (Steve) Huebel of Spring Valley, Jody (Michael) Austin of Rochester, Minnesota, Darcy (Mike) Webster of Spring Valley, Cynthia (Glenn) Sotona of Iron River, Jamy Lucking of Menomonie, Tony (Angie) Lucking of River Falls, his brother Jim (Liz) Lucking of Ponder, Texas, and Michael (Karen) Birkholm of California. He has 28 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. At an early age, Fran demonstrated his ability with sports, and once he discovered the excitement of sports, he concentrated his efforts to become one of the best. During his high school years, Fran played hockey, football, basketball, tennis, and his favorite, the one he excelled at, baseball. In fact, he did so well, that he tried out for the San Francisco Giants. His passion for baseball lasted until his mid 50s. Eventually, Fran settled in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, in 1967 and then moved to Menomonie in the late 1970s. There he started his painting and wallpapering business. Even though Fran lived in Wisconsin, he was a loyal supporter of the Vikings. In his later years, he concentrated on golf, playing cards, and traveling with his significant other, Bonnie Anderson. A Memorial service will be held at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 7:00 PM with Father Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation with the family will start at 5:00 PM.