Francis Faber, 95, Luverne, died Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A funeral service was Friday, Nov. 26, at the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery.
Francis Faber was born June 13, 1926, to William and Roelina (Driesen) Faber and grew up on the family farm south of Rock Rapids, Iowa, near Lakewood Corner.
He was drafted into the Army Air Corps during World War II, and while stationed in Long Beach, California, met Audrey Hop of nearby Artesia. They were married on July 26, 1945, and after completing his military obligation, they moved to Artesia where Francis worked for a local dairy.
In 1951 the family moved to Madison, South Dakota, where Francis began his farming career. They moved one year later to a farm northeast of Inwood, Iowa, and five years later to a farm north of Lester, Iowa. In 1966 Francis and Audrey purchased their farm west of Luverne, where they remained until they retired.
In retirement they spent winters in Mesa, Arizona. In 2012 Francis and Audrey moved to Crown Point Senior Living Facility in Sioux Center, Iowa. Audrey died on July 20, 2016. Francis purchased a house and moved to Luverne.
Francis was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne and served on numerous committees. He was also a charter member of Maranatha Christian Reformed Church in Mesa, Arizona.
Francis is survived by his son, William “Butch” (Cathy) Faber of Pacific Grove, California; his daughter, Judi (Ed) Boersma of Minneapolis; 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Darla Faber of Luverne; and son-in-law Dennis Vander Plaats of Sioux Center.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Audrey Faber; son Robert Faber; daughters Gloria Ackerman Vander Plaats and Crystal Faber; great-grandchildren, Breiton Ackerman, Kyle Faber and Christian Dodson; great-great-grandchild Paige Punt; grandson-in-law Robert Hall; brothers, Ronald, Harold and Wilbur; sister Harriet Faber; son-in-law Barney “Bud” Ackerman Jr.; and half-sisters Inez and Catherine.
Memorials may be directed to Hope Haven or the Luke Society.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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