Francis Joseph Carroll, 97, of Austin, Minn., died Jan. 1, 2013, at the Cedars of Austin.

Francis was born Jan. 1, 1916, in Chicago, Ill. As a young boy, after the death of his mother, he and his brothers Edward, James and Raymond moved to Austin and were raised by two aunts and one uncle. He graduated from St. Augustine High School.

Francis married Frances N. Graves on Aug. 31, 1940, in Austin. Together they raised three children. Francis was an active member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church. He retired from Geo. A. Hormel Co. in 1974 after 44 years of service. Francis served in the Army in 1944-1945. He was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles.

Francis enjoyed bowling, traveled throughout the United States and was a big fan of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Gopher football.

Survivors include his children, Patrick (Elaine) Carroll, Chippewa Falls, Wis., Martha (Jacob) Rietsema, Austin; daughter-in-law, Patty Carroll, Cloquet, Minn.; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Florence Carroll, Albert Lea, Minn.; many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence; granddaughter, Tonya; sister, Katherine; brothers, Raymond, Edward and James; son, James “Jim” Carroll.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. rosary on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. The family will also greet friends at a luncheon following the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91.