Francis A Koziolek, 81, died Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at St. John’s Lutheran Home surrounded by his loving and supportive family.

Francis was born on Oct. 4, 1931, in Freeborn County to Alex and Emily (Hassing) Koziolek. Francis grew up a farmer’s son in Freeborn County attending school in Freeborn. He served his country in the United States Navy. On Aug. 3, 1957, Francis was united in marriage to Margaret Renchin at Sacred Heart Church in Hayfield. He worked as a hog and crop farmer for many years. Francis was a member of Pork Producers, Knights of Columbus, Hartland Legion, 4-H (local and county), Milk Producers, Poet, FFA and Sunrich Grain. He was also a member at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland. Francis enjoyed visiting with family, being a grandfather, showing hogs, reading, watching TV, volunteering for 4-H, Pork Producers, the Legion and golfing.

Survivors include his wife Margaret (Renchin) Koziolek; daughters Ann (Geary) Cooper and daughter Samantha, Joni (Randy) Hamson and their daughters Meghan and Jona, Mary (Scott) Owens and their children Marissa, Julia and Anthony, Brenda (Ron) Guappone and their children Adeline and Vinny, Frances (Chris) Michel and their sons Gregory, Trevor and Joshua; sisters Evelyn (Verle) Nickerson, Anita (Thomas) Wilharm and Rosemary (Dan) Heins; sister-in-law Jenny Koziolek, Katie Koziolek, Theresa Kasper, Frances Blakestad, Sylvia (Vernon) Ginder, Alice Arnold, and Rosemary (Jerome) Besch; and many nieces and nephews.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Jeremy Owens in infancy; brothers, Leon Koziolek and Alex Koziolek Jr.; and sister, Jane (Don) Czerworka; sister in-law Dorthy (Bob) Virnig; brothers in-law Jim Kasper, Roger Blakestad, Roger Engen, David (Allen) Renchin, Kenny Arnold.

Francis was a true steward of the land and animals. Farming was his hobby and profession. He maintained a dairy herd until it was destroyed by fire in 1971. The hobby of showing hogs at fair grew into a business. Feeder pigs were raised to market weight and sold at local markets. New farmers methods were his interest and used within his farming days.

The family would like to say an extra special thanks to the Albert Lea Dialysis team and St. John’s Lutheran Home. Memorials preferred to All Saints Catholic Church or the Polycystic Kidney Foundation.

Funeral services for will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013, at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland. Father T. Hottinger will officiate. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in New Richland. Military honors will be accorded by local servicemen’s organization. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 24 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.